Transforming education in Nigeria

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, has an estimated 20 million school-age children not attending school. The northern regions are most affected, with more girls out of school than boys.

For children in school, nearly two-thirds struggle to read age-appropriate texts. To unlock large-scale and sustainable change, Nigeria is prioritizing accessible, equitable and inclusive foundational learning.

Nigeria's Partnership Compact aligns with the Federal Ministry of Education's Roadmap for the Nigerian Education Sector 2024-2027 and marks the commitment of the government, GPE and other partners to work together to drastically reduce the number of out-of-school children, improve teaching and learning especially at the foundational level, and strengthen basic education delivery.

Nigeria will increase access to inclusive learning environments by constructing classrooms and water and sanitation facilities with consideration for safety, gender and special needs, and by improving access to accelerated basic education programs for out-of-school children.

To boost the quality of learning, teachers will be trained to deliver foundational literacy and numeracy programs. Parent and community awareness programs are expected to build accountability and support for education.

Reforms to enhance education delivery target equitable distribution and better management of teachers; improved sector coordination and financing; and strengthening the production and use of data.

Activities supported by GPE's latest grants will be implemented at the federal level and in six states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Kebbi, Kwara and Lagos.

Result story

Nigeria: Keeping boys and girls in school and learning

  • Nigeria has a large number of out-of-school children and children who attend only religious schools, especially in the northwestern states.
  • With a $100 million grant, GPE has supported integrated religious schools and trained teachers in five states to ensure more children attend and stay in school, particularly girls who are most at risk of missing out on an education.
  • The GPE approach of working in partnership has helped all education stakeholders in the country contribute meaningfully to the planning and implementation cycle.

Grants

(data as of November 03, 2024)

 
  • Type: Multiplier

    Years: 2024 - 2028

    Allocation: US$15,450,000

    Utilization: 0

    Grant agent: IsDB

  • Type: Accelerated funding

    Years: 2024 - 2025

    Allocation: US$5,000,000

    Utilization: US$385,083

    Grant agent: Save the Children UK

  • Type: Accelerated funding

    Years: 2024 - 2025

    Allocation: US$5,000,000

    Utilization: 0

    Grant agent: UNICEF

  • Type: Program implementation

    Years: 2022 - 2026

    Allocation: US$125,000,000

    Utilization: US$30,202,449

    Grant agent: WB

Civil society engagement

As part of its investment in civil society advocacy and social accountability efforts, GPE’s Education Out Loud fund is supporting the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA) for the 2024-2026 period. This builds on previous support from the Civil Society Education Fund (CSEF).

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