In a bid to enhance funding and improve the quality of education, the Federal Government of Nigeria partnered with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) to host a private sector roundtable in Lagos on March 25, 2026. The meeting brought together leaders from business, philanthropy, government, and development organizations to explore ways to strengthen collaboration and address persistent challenges in Nigeria’s education system.

The event, titled “Multiply Possibility in Nigeria: Private Sector Leadership for Education,” focused on aligning private investment with national education priorities. While government funding remains critical, participants emphasized the role of the private sector in expanding access, introducing innovative solutions, and maximizing the impact of education initiatives across the country.

A significant outcome of the discussions was the establishment of a public-private working group, co-led by Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad. The group will include representatives from industry, finance, technology, and philanthropic organizations, aiming to create structured partnerships, unlock new financing opportunities, and streamline education programs nationwide.

The roundtable also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic education financing. Proposed reforms include increasing the allocation from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to the Universal Basic Education Commission, effectively doubling federal resources for basic education. These steps aim to build a sustainable funding base while encouraging complementary private investment.

With Nigeria facing challenges such as a high number of out of school children and widespread learning gaps, participants stressed that improving education outcomes requires not only more funding but also better coordination, innovative financing models, and reforms linking education results to broader national development goals.

The Lagos meeting demonstrated how private sector expertise and resources can be leveraged to support Nigeria’s education reform agenda, including initiatives like the National Education Sector Reform Initiative and the Education Partnership Compact. By fostering stronger collaboration and mobilizing additional resources, Nigeria and GPE aim to create a more coordinated and sustainable approach to education funding.

Overall, the roundtable marked an important step toward improving education financing in Nigeria, combining increased public investment with strategic private sector involvement to ensure better learning opportunities for children nationwide.