FG Launches $552 Million HOPE-Education Program to Reach 29 Million Nigerian Children

In a strategic move to address Nigeria’s foundational education challenges, the Federal Government has launched the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) project, a multi-sectoral initiative targeting improved access to quality learning and health outcomes for millions of Nigerians.

At the heart of the initiative is the HOPE-Education programme, a $552 million intervention co-financed by the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). The programme is expected to reach 29 million children, empower 500,000 teachers, and upgrade 65,000 public schools and 10,000 non-formal learning centres across the 36 states and the FCT.

The project was officially launched on Monday in Abuja with the inauguration of a National Steering Committee to coordinate its implementation. The committee comprises key ministers from the Ministries of Education, Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Health and Social Welfare, and Women Affairs.

Speaking during the launch, Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, emphasized that the programme will prioritize foundational literacy and numeracy, digital innovation in schools, and inclusive learning environments, particularly for girls and vulnerable children.

“By the end of this programme, we aim to reach 29 million children, empower 500,000 public school teachers, and strengthen 65,000 schools and 10,000 non-formal learning centres,” Mamman said.

“Our goal is to build a nation where every child has access to quality education and the opportunity to thrive.”

Other components of the broader HOPE initiative include HOPE-Health and HOPE-Gov, focusing on strengthening Nigeria’s health systems and governance capacities to support long-term human capital development.

Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate, and Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim were present at the inaugural meeting. They all underscored the importance of aligning the project with Nigeria’s development priorities and ensuring gender-sensitive and inclusive implementation.

According to the government, the HOPE project is designed as a catalytic reform agenda, advancing the administration’s commitment to building a skilled, healthy, and productive population through coordinated investment in education, health, and governance.