The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured a $25.35 million concessionary loan from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to bolster efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Kaduna State.
The loan, signed on behalf of the Kaduna State Government, is part of a $62.8 million blended financing package with international partners aimed at expanding access to quality, inclusive education in one of Nigeria’s most affected regions.
The initiative, known as the Reaching Out-of-School Children programme, targets vulnerable groups, including girls, children with disabilities, and internally displaced persons.
According to a statement by Mohammed Manga, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Finance, the programme will enrol over 100,000 children, construct or upgrade more than 200 schools, and enhance teacher capacity in underserved areas.
“This partnership underscores our commitment to improving access to quality education,” the statement read.
“The $25.35m loan, combined with contributions from other partners, will drive measurable progress for Nigeria’s most vulnerable children.”
The broader financing package includes a $10.5m loan from the Islamic Development Bank, a $15.45m grant from the Global Partnership for Education, a $10m grant from the Education Above All Foundation, and $0.5m in technical assistance from Save the Children International. Kaduna State has also committed $1m in counterpart funding.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, represented by Minister of State for Finance Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, emphasised the government’s focus on transparency and accountability.
“With millions of children out of school, particularly in northern Nigeria, every dollar must translate into visible progress,” he said, commending Kaduna’s proactive leadership.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani reaffirmed the state’s commitment to education, noting that 26% of the 2025 budget is allocated to the sector.
The programme will see 102 new climate-resilient schools built and 170 existing schools rehabilitated, prioritising marginalised communities.
Dr Wahid Al-Bahar, Director-General of the Kuwait Fund, described the project as “an investment in hope,” emphasising its focus on enrolment, learning outcomes, and community engagement.
The Federal Ministry of Finance will oversee fiduciary processes and coordinate results reporting, with regular assessments to track enrolment, teacher training, and academic performance, ensuring sustainable impact.
This initiative is poised to serve as a model for addressing Nigeria’s out-of-school crisis, offering hope to thousands of children in Kaduna and potentially beyond.