Nigeria, Italy Push $5bn Global Education Fund at UNGA 81

Nigeria and Italy have joined forces to mobilise $5 billion in global education financing through the Global Partnership for Education, as countries seek new ways to address widening funding gaps in the sector.

The initiative was highlighted on Wednesday during a high-level event titled “A New Era for Education Financing” held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the event, said Nigeria viewed education as an investment in economic productivity, national prosperity and long-term stability.

Shettima said Nigeria’s participation in the campaign was not simply about seeking international assistance but also demonstrating the country’s commitment to investing domestic resources in education.

He said the Federal Government had increased resources for education while implementing reforms aimed at strengthening basic education financing, improving foundational learning and expanding access to tertiary and technical education.

The Vice President also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as part of efforts to expand access to higher education and strengthen the link between education, skills, employment and enterprise.

He said Nigeria was exploring additional lawful sources of funding beyond traditional budgetary allocations, including eligible recovered funds, unclaimed dividends and dormant funds, subject to applicable legal requirements.

Shettima also pointed to Nigeria’s partnership with the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education through the HOPE-EDU programme, which is expected to reach about 29 million children and 500,000 teachers across the country.

He said the proposed $5 billion campaign would help unlock additional financing for education in partner countries, stressing that domestic resources should remain the foundation while international assistance, concessional finance, philanthropy and innovative financing complement national efforts.

President Tinubu, in a video message, said the campaign aligned with Nigeria’s education priorities, particularly improving access, learning outcomes and teacher capacity.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also backed the initiative and called for stronger international commitment to education in developing countries.

Italy subsequently pledged €50 million to Global Partnership for Education programmes and interventions.

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed urged international financial institutions to help countries committed to education create the fiscal space needed to improve learning outcomes and strengthen teacher capacity.

Global Partnership for Education Board Chair Jakaya Kikwete and education activist Malala Yousafzai also called for greater international cooperation and investment.

The campaign seeks to mobilise resources for education systems serving millions of children, particularly in developing countries facing financial constraints.

For Nigeria and Italy, the initiative represents a broader effort to place education financing at the centre of global development discussions and secure stronger international support for human capital development.