The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a $25.35 million concessionary loan agreement with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to bolster the Reaching Out-of-School Children Programme in Kaduna State.
The agreement, formalized on August 5, 2025, forms part of a $62.8 million blended financing package involving multiple international partners, aimed at addressing Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis by enhancing access to quality education.
The initiative targets over 100,000 out-of-school children, prioritizing vulnerable groups such as girls, children with disabilities, and internally displaced persons.
It includes constructing 102 climate-resilient schools, rehabilitating 170 existing schools and learning centers, and training thousands of teachers to improve learning outcomes.
The programme emphasizes inclusive education and community-based solutions to ensure sustainable impact.
Representing the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Finance, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with Nigeria’s commitment to transparency and accountability in social investments.
She also noted that Kaduna’s proactive leadership could make the programme a blueprint for other states. Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, confirmed the state’s full counterpart funding of $1 million and an increased 2025 education budget allocation of 26%, underscoring education as a cornerstone of the state’s transformation agenda.
Dr. Wahid Al-Bahar, Director-General of the Kuwait Fund, described the project as “an investment in hope,” emphasizing its potential to transform lives through education.
Other partners contributing to the $62.8 million package include the Islamic Development Bank ($10.5 million loan), Global Partnership for Education ($15.45 million grant), Education Above All Foundation ($10 million grant), and Save the Children International ($0.5 million technical assistance grant).
The Federal Ministry of Finance will oversee fiduciary assurance, working closely with Kaduna State and partners to monitor progress through regular reviews of enrollment, teacher training, and learning outcomes.
This landmark partnership aims to set a new standard for education financing in Nigeria, addressing systemic barriers like poverty, displacement, and gender inequality to ensure children not only return to school but thrive in inclusive, quality learning environments.
