In a significant step towards improving access to quality education in Nigeria, the Federal Government and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development have partnered to support the Reaching Out-of-School Children programme in Kaduna State.
This partnership is built on a US$25.35 million concessionary loan agreement signed today between the Federal Government of Nigeria on behalf of Kaduna State and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.
The facility forms part of a wider US$62.8 million blended package with international partners that will expand access to quality, inclusive education and improve learning outcomes for some of Nigeria’s most vulnerable children.
Speaking at the event which held in his office in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, stated that the programme reflects Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability and results in social investment.
Represented by the Honourable Minister of State for Finance Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister emphasised that this partnership is about compassion, equity and the power of education. With millions of children still out of school, especially in the North, every dollar must translate into real change for the children and communities we serve. Kaduna State’s leadership and the strong engagement of our development partners give us confidence that this initiative will become a model for other states, he said.
Director-General of the Kuwait Fund, Dr Wahid Al-Bahar, described the project as an investment in hope. This is more than infrastructure. By enrolling over 100,000 children, building or upgrading more than 200 schools, and empowering thousands of teachers, we are helping to ensure that no child is left behind. The Kuwait Fund is proud to support this effort and looks forward to deepening our cooperation with Nigeria, Dr Al-Bahar noted.
The Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, reaffirmed the State’s prioritisation of education and announced that Kaduna has provided its counterpart contribution in full. Education is the cornerstone of our transformation agenda. In 2025, we increased the education share of our budget to 26 percent. Under this programme, we will construct 102 new climate-resilient schools and rehabilitate or upgrade 170 existing schools and learning centres, with a focus on girls, children with disabilities and internally displaced children. This is about restoring dignity and opportunity to every child, the Governor assured.
The programme will focus on the construction of new, climate-resilient schools and rehabilitation of existing facilities across hard-to-reach communities, re-enrolment of out-of-school children into safe, inclusive and quality learning environments, teacher development to strengthen pedagogy and improve learning outcomes, and community-based solutions that lower barriers to attendance and completion, particularly for girls and children with disabilities.
The financing partners and indicative contributions include Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development with a US$25.35 million concessionary loan, Islamic Development Bank with US$10.5 million, Global Partnership for Education with a US$15.45 million grant, Education Above All Foundation with a US$10 million grant, Save the Children International with a US$0.5 million technical assistance grant, and Kaduna State Government with a US$1 million counterpart funding. The total programme envelope is US$62.8 million.
The Federal Ministry of Finance will oversee fiduciary assurance and results reporting in close collaboration with Kaduna State and participating partners. Regular joint reviews will track enrolment, teacher training and learning gains to ensure measurable impact.
This partnership marks a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to revolutionize education and provide opportunities for millions of out-of-school children in the State. With the combined efforts of the Federal Government, Kaduna State, and international partners, Nigeria is set to create a brighter future for its next generation.
Signed
Mohammed Manga FCAI
Director, Information and Public Relations
August 5, 2025
