JUST IN: FG Secures $25.35m Loan from Kuwait Amid Debt Crisis

The Federal Government has secured a $25.35 million concessional loan from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to reduce the growing number of out-of-school children in Kaduna State.

Signed on behalf of the Kaduna State Government, the loan forms part of a broader $62.8 million blended financing package with international development partners. This initiative aims to expand access to quality and inclusive education in one of Nigeria’s most affected regions.

In a statement on Tuesday, August 5, the Federal Ministry of Finance’s Director of Information, Mohammed Manga, explained that the funding will support the Reaching Out-of-School Children Programme a large-scale intervention targeting vulnerable groups, including girls, children with disabilities, and internally displaced persons.

“This partnership represents a significant step toward improving access to education in Nigeria,” the statement read.

“The $25.35m Kuwait Fund loan is part of a wider $62.8m financing package that will boost inclusive education and improve learning outcomes for Nigeria’s most vulnerable children.”

Over 100,000 Children to Benefit

As part of the programme, over 100,000 children will be enrolled in school.

Furthermore, more than 200 schools will be constructed or upgraded, with an emphasis on improving the learning environment and training teachers in underserved areas.

Speaking at the signing, Finance Minister Wale Edun, represented by Minister of State, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, emphasized the government’s commitment to accountability and measurable outcomes.

He stressed that every dollar must translate into real progress especially with millions of children still out of school, particularly in the North.

Additionally, Edun praised Kaduna’s proactive leadership and noted that the project could serve as a model for other states.

Kaduna Increases Education Budget

Meanwhile, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State reaffirmed the state’s commitment to education.

He disclosed that Kaduna has already provided $1 million in counterpart funding and increased its education sector budget to 26% for 2025, underlining its focus on human capital development.

Under the new programme:

102 climate-resilient schools will be built.

170 schools and learning centres will be rehabilitated.

Marginalised communities and hard-to-reach areas will receive special attention.

International Support

Dr. Wahid Al-Bahar, Director-General of the Kuwait Fund, described the initiative as an investment in hope, emphasizing that success would be measured by improved enrolment, better learning outcomes, and strong community engagement.

Other partners in the financing structure include:

Islamic Development Bank – $10.5m loan

Global Partnership for Education – $15.45m grant

Education Above All Foundation – $10m grant

Save the Children International – $0.5m technical assistance

Kaduna State – $1m contribution

Monitoring and Evaluation

The Federal Ministry of Finance will oversee the programme’s financial accountability and coordinate reporting in partnership with the state and other organizations.

This includes routine joint assessments focusing on enrolment rates, teacher training, and student performance metrics to ensure sustainable impact.

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