By Oxford Reporters
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to treating education as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s economic future, productivity and national stability.
Shettima stated this in New York, United States, while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Multiply Possibility high-level event, tagged, “A New Era for Education Financing,” held on the margins of the ongoing 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The event brought together Nigeria, Italy and other development partners to strengthen collaboration towards the implementation of the proposed Global Partnership for Education (GPE) financing campaign, which seeks to mobilise $5 billion to support education financing across the world.
Speaking at the event, Shettima said education should not be viewed merely as government expenditure but as a long-term investment capable of transforming the country’s economy and improving the well-being of its citizens.
“For Nigeria, education is not an expenditure at the margins of our development agenda. It is an investment in our economic future, national productivity, and the prosperity and stability of our people,” he said.
The Vice President said the Tinubu administration had continued to prioritise investment in education through measures aimed at improving access, strengthening foundational learning, developing technical skills and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians.
He also highlighted the importance of innovative financing mechanisms and stronger partnerships with international development institutions, stressing that domestic resources must remain central to education financing while being complemented by development assistance, concessional financing, philanthropy and other innovative sources.
According to him, Nigeria’s large and growing youth population represents a significant opportunity for economic transformation if young people are equipped with quality education, relevant skills and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Shettima said the proposed $5 billion GPE financing campaign would help mobilise additional resources for education while strengthening international cooperation in addressing financing gaps affecting education systems globally.
He called for sustained commitment from governments, development partners, private institutions and other stakeholders to ensure that education receives the financing required to deliver lasting results.
The Vice President further stressed the need for education financing to translate into improved learning outcomes, stronger institutions and better opportunities for children and young people.
He said Nigeria would continue to work with international partners towards building an education system capable of supporting economic growth, productivity, innovation and sustainable development.
The high-level event formed part of activities around the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly and provided a platform for world leaders and development partners to renew commitments towards sustainable education financing globally.
