By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Federal Government on Friday launched five World Bank-backed programmes in Abuja to strengthen education, healthcare, social protection, governance and economic opportunities across Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, unveiled the initiatives to accelerate human capital development, reduce poverty and improve the lives of Nigerians under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu Reaffirms Education as National Priority
Speaking at the launch ceremony at the State House Conference Centre, President Tinubu said education remains the foundation of national development and a key pillar of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Represented by Oyedele, the President stressed that economic reforms must produce tangible benefits for Nigerians through investments in education, healthcare, institutional development and social protection.
He declared that no nation can rise above the quality of its education. He also assured Nigerians that the administration remains committed to ensuring that no citizen is left behind.
HOPE-EDU Receives $552.18 Million Investment
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, described education as Nigeria’s greatest investment.
He announced that the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity for Quality Basic Education for All (HOPE-EDU) Programme has secured approximately $552.18 million in funding from the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).
According to him, the programme will improve foundational literacy and numeracy, strengthen teaching quality, expand access to quality basic education and enhance education management systems nationwide.
Programme to Benefit 30 Million Pupils
Alausa disclosed that the initiative will directly benefit nearly 30 million children across Nigeria.
He added that the programme will support the professional development of 500,000 public primary school teachers and improve teaching and learning in more than 65,000 public primary schools.
The initiative also covers all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Furthermore, the programme will operate under a results-based financing model that rewards measurable improvements in learning outcomes.
The minister explained that the initiative will reduce learning poverty, improve teacher effectiveness and strengthen accountability through reliable education data systems.
He added that the programme will also support evidence-based planning, efficient resource allocation and stronger monitoring across the education sector.
Alausa described teachers as the backbone of nation-building and urged implementing partners to maximise available resources to achieve measurable learning outcomes.
Governors Pledge Full Support
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, spoke on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
He reaffirmed the commitment of all 36 state governments and the Federal Capital Territory to work closely with the Federal Government, the World Bank and development partners.
According to him, accountability, institutional strengthening and improved service delivery remain essential for achieving inclusive growth and sustainable national development.
He also thanked the World Bank for its continued support, noting that the partnership has strengthened governance, agriculture, social protection and public service delivery.
Budget Minister Highlights Poverty Reduction Strategy
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, described the NG-CARES, SOLID and HOPE programmes as complementary initiatives.
He said the programmes provide a comprehensive framework for reducing poverty, building resilience and accelerating human capital development.
Bagudu also stressed that transparency, accountability and effective coordination among all levels of government will determine the success of the programmes.
World Bank Commends Nigeria’s Commitment
Speaking on behalf of the World Bank Group, Mathew Verghis praised the Federal Government’s commitment to human capital development.
He noted that the programmes will strengthen social protection, improve education and healthcare, expand economic opportunities and support vulnerable communities.
Verghis added that the initiatives complement Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and reflect strong collaboration among federal, state and local governments.
Education Ministry Reaffirms Commitment
The Federal Ministry of Education pledged to provide strong policy direction, effective coordination and sustained oversight for the successful implementation of the HOPE-EDU programme.
The ministry stated that the initiative represents one of Nigeria’s largest investments in children, teachers and schools.
It added that the programme will help build the skilled workforce needed to drive sustainable economic growth and national prosperity under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
