Nigeria and Italy Secure $3.5bn for Global Education Efforts

On September 24, global leaders and development partners announced $3.5 billion in international commitments for education, led by Nigeria and Italy, during the “Multiply Possibility: A New Era for Education Financing” event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The event was co-hosted by Nigeria, Italy, and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).

The financing package includes $2.1 billion from sovereign donors and $1.4 billion from development finance institutions and private-sector partners. This initiative aims to address the global education crisis affecting over 270 million children out of school, exacerbated by conflict and climate shocks.

Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima represented the country and co-chaired the meeting with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani. President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to education in a video message, aligning with GPE’s vision for improved educational outcomes.

The 2026 budget allocates ₦3.52 trillion for education, highlighting its importance in Nigeria's human-capital development agenda.