Nigeria has launched a $552 million education initiative aimed at improving access to quality basic education for millions of children as the country seeks to strengthen human capital development and address persistent challenges in its education system.

The programme, known as HOPE-EDU (Hope for Quality Basic Education for All), is designed to support nearly 29 million children through investments in school infrastructure, teacher training, learning materials, and the modernization of public education facilities.

Backed by international partners, including the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education, the initiative represents one of Nigeria’s largest efforts to reform basic education and improve learning outcomes nationwide.

The programme will focus on expanding school capacity through the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms, upgrading educational facilities, and creating safer and more inclusive learning environments, particularly in underserved communities.

A key component of HOPE-EDU is strengthening the country’s teaching workforce. The initiative aims to improve teachers’ skills through professional development programmes, helping educators adopt more effective teaching methods and improve students’ performance in foundational subjects such as reading and mathematics.

Nigeria’s government said the programme will also improve school management systems, enhance accountability, and support better use of education resources across the country.

With one of the world’s largest youth populations, Nigeria faces significant education challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, unequal access to schooling, and a high number of children outside the formal education system. Authorities see education reform as a critical investment to prepare young Nigerians for future economic opportunities.

The launch of HOPE-EDU comes as President Bola Tinubu’s administration places human capital development at the centre of its economic transformation agenda, arguing that stronger education systems are essential for boosting productivity, reducing poverty, and supporting long-term growth.

By targeting millions of learners and strengthening the foundations of the education system, the programme aims to position Nigeria’s young population as a key driver of the country’s future development.