Despite considerable strides in recent years, Nigeria’s education sector continues to grapple with challenges, from inadequate infrastructure to a lack of resources and skilled teachers.
In response, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has called for a renewed focus on international partnerships with organisations like the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), UNESCO, and UNICEF.
By re-strategising these collaborations, Nigeria aims to tap into global expertise and resources to address its educational deficits and create a more robust, inclusive learning environment for its growing population.
Alausa has emphasised the importance of renewing and re-strategising partnerships with international organisations like the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), UNESCO, and UNICEF to enhance the country’s educational landscape.
The Minister outlined the necessity of these strategic alliances to achieve key national objectives and tackle the evolving challenges in Nigeria’s education system via his official X handle (formerly Twitter).
“I had the privilege of meeting with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Secretariat during their recent mission to Nigeria.
“In line with our long-term goals to bolster Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) capacities, promote STEMM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences), and ensure inclusive education for girls, women, out-of-school children, and the Almajiri, it is imperative that we renew and re-strategize our collaborations with organizations like GPE, UNESCO, and UNICEF,” the minister said.
He noted that despite significant progress, there are persistent challenges within the educational sector, particularly in coordinating efforts between various development partners.
One of the primary issues he identified is the duplication of educational projects, which often results in inefficiencies. Another concern is the insufficient focus on high-burden states areas with the greatest educational needs, where urgent intervention is required.
Alausa further explained that a more targeted and coordinated approach is essential to address the country’s educational challenges effectively. This, he said, would be achieved through the adoption of the Education Sector-wide Approach (E-SwAp), a strategic framework designed to align efforts and prioritize actions based on the most pressing educational needs across Nigeria.
To advance this initiative, he said the Ministry of Education will convene a high-level meeting next week with all key development partners, organisations, and stakeholders in the education sector.
The goal of this meeting, according to him, is to discuss the E-SwAp model in detail, align on a unified action plan, and ensure that efforts are not fragmented but instead directed toward addressing the nation’s educational challenges in a cohesive and effective manner.
He also emphasised that the status quo could no longer be maintained. “Strategic alignment among all partners is essential for the success of our education sector,” he stated. “We cannot afford to continue with fragmented approaches. A concerted effort is required to rebuild and improve the quality of education for every Nigerian child, particularly those in underserved areas.”
The Minister also expressed gratitude to the GPE team for their ongoing support and commitment to Nigeria’s education sector. “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Mr. Morten Sigsgaard, the Country Team Lead for Nigeria, Ms. Sai Sudha Kanikicharla, the Grants Operations Officer, and their dedicated team for their visit and for further strengthening our 12-year partnership.
“I also acknowledge the contributions of our partners at USAID, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and the British High Commission for their invaluable collaboration in this effort.”
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to working closely with all international partners and stakeholders.
“Together, through the E-SwAp framework, we will ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality education, regardless of their background or geographical location,” he said. “I look forward to our continued collaboration in the vital task of rebuilding and transforming Nigeria’s education sector.”
