In order to assist a significant attempt to lower the number of out-of-school children in Kaduna State, the Federal Government has obtained a $25.35 million concessionary loan from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.
Signed on behalf of the Kaduna State Government, the facility is a component of a larger $62.8 million blended financing package with international development partners that aims to provide access to inclusive, high-quality education in one of the most impacted areas of the nation.
The loan is anticipated to fund the Reaching Out-of-School Children program, a comprehensive intervention aimed at vulnerable groups such as girls, children with disabilities, and internally displaced people, according to a statement released on Tuesday by Mohammed Manga, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Finance.
The statement read, “In a significant step towards improving access to quality education in Nigeria, the Federal Government and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development have partnered to support the Reaching Out-of-School Children programme in Kaduna State.
“This partnership is built on a $25.35m concessionary loan agreement signed today between the Federal Government of Nigeria, on behalf of Kaduna State and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.
“The facility forms part of a wider $62.8m blended package with international partners that will expand access to quality, inclusive education and improve learning outcomes for some of Nigeria’s most vulnerable children.”
Over 100,000 students will be enrolled in the program, more than 200 schools will be built or renovated, and instructors’ abilities and the learning environment in underprivileged parts of the state will be enhanced.
The program emphasises the government’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and quantifiable results in social sector investments, according to Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, who was represented at the signing by Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Finance.
He pointed out that every dollar of assistance must result in tangible and noticeable development because millions of children are still not attending school, especially in northern Nigeria.
Additionally, he expressed optimism that the project could be replicated in other states and praised Kaduna State for its strong engagement with partners and aggressive leadership.
Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna State, reportedly reiterated the state’s emphasis on education and revealed that Kaduna had already met its $1 million counterpart financing promise.
“As part of a larger commitment to human capital development, the state increased the education sector’s share of the 2025 budget to 26%,” he stated.
With a focus on underserved populations and places that are difficult to reach, the new initiative will construct 102 new climate-resilient schools and renovate 170 existing schools and learning centres.
The Director-General of the Kuwait Fund, Dr Wahid Al-Bahar, described the project as an investment in hope, noting that its goals extend beyond infrastructure.
He said the fund was proud to support an initiative that aims to guarantee access to learning for every child, stressing that success would be judged by improved enrolment, stronger learning outcomes, and community engagement.
The other partners in the financing structure include the Islamic Development Bank, which is contributing a $10.5m loan; the Global Partnership for Education, offering a $15.45m grant; the Education Above All Foundation, with a $10m grant; and Save the Children International, which is providing $0.5m in technical assistance. Kaduna State’s contribution stands at $1m.
The Federal Ministry of Finance is expected to oversee the programme’s fiduciary processes and coordinate results reporting in collaboration with the state and partner organisations.
This will involve routine joint assessments covering enrolment rates, teacher training metrics, and academic performance indicators to ensure the programme delivers measurable and sustainable impact.
