The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured a $25.35 million concessionary loan from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to combat the rising number of out-of-school children in Kaduna State.
This funding is part of a larger $62.8 million blended financing package supported by various international development partners. The package aims to boost inclusive and quality education, particularly for marginalized children including girls, children with disabilities, and those internally displaced.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mohammed Manga, noted that the initiative will support the implementation of the Reaching Out-of-School Children Programme in Kaduna.
“In a significant move to improve access to quality education, the Federal Government and the Kuwait Fund have entered into a $25.35 million loan agreement. The facility is part of a wider $62.8 million partnership with global donors,” the statement read.
Under the initiative, over 100,000 out-of-school children are expected to be enrolled. Additionally, 102 new climate-resilient schools will be constructed, while 170 existing learning facilities will be renovated. The programme will also provide teacher training and enhance the learning environment, especially in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who was represented by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, emphasized that every dollar committed must translate into measurable results.
“With millions of children still out of school in northern Nigeria, interventions like this must deliver real outcomes. This programme underscores our commitment to transparency and accountability in social investments,” Dr. Uzoka-Anite said.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, reaffirmed the state’s dedication to education, revealing that Kaduna had already met its counterpart funding obligation of $1 million.
“We have increased the education sector’s share of the 2025 budget to 26 percent to drive sustainable human capital development,” Governor Sani stated.
The Director-General of the Kuwait Fund, Dr. Wahid Al-Bahar, described the initiative as “an investment in hope,” stressing that the success of the project will be measured by improved school enrolment, learning outcomes, and community involvement.
Other contributors to the financing structure include the Islamic Development Bank with a $10.5 million loan; Global Partnership for Education, $15.45 million grant; Education Above All Foundation, $10 million grant; and Save the Children International, which is providing $500,000 in technical support.
The Federal Ministry of Finance will oversee the programme’s financial management and coordinate results tracking alongside Kaduna State and other partners.
