Nigeria and Italy have launched a joint push for global education funding, placing a $5 billion target alongside Nigeria’s own plans to widen access to higher education and strengthen teacher capacity.
The two countries co-hosted a high-level event, titled ‘A New Era for Education Financing’, in New York, United States, on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. It took place during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly and on the margins of the ongoing UN gathering.
The campaign is being pursued through the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), which supports efforts to expand access to quality education, strengthen education systems and improve learning outcomes, particularly in developing countries. Its stated ambition is to mobilise US$5 billion for GPE and use that investment to unlock further education financing in partner countries.
The government of Italy pledged €50 million for GPE programmes and interventions. Governments and donors attending the event also made contributions towards the education of at least 370 million children globally, although the full composition of contributors and the total amount committed were not specified.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the event. He said education stood at the centre of Nigeria’s productivity, prosperity and long-term stability, and described it as a strategic investment in the country’s economic future rather than standard public expenditure.
“GPE does not replace national investment; it multiplies it,” Shettima said.
In a video message, President Bola Tinubu said the GPE vision matched Nigeria’s education agenda. He said that agenda seeks better educational outcomes through investment in access and capacity building for teachers.
Nigeria has substantially increased resources devoted to education since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023, according to the government. One element of that policy is the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which is intended to widen access to higher education.
Tinubu has directed that liquid funds recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission be channelled to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund once they are legally cleared and free from litigation. The Federal Executive Council recently approved consideration of unclaimed dividends and dormant funds for the same fund, subject to relevant legal requirements.
Nigeria’s multilateral education plans also include HOPE-EDU, developed through its alliances with the World Bank and GPE. The programme is expected to reach approximately 29 million children and 500,000 teachers across Nigeria.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed addressed the Multiply Possibility event, as did GPE Board Chairman Jakaya Kikwete and education activist Malala Yousafzai. The campaign’s target remains a mobilisation goal, with no detailed implementation timetable or account of how additional financing would be unlocked set out at the event.
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