FG Secures $25.35m Kuwait Loan to Tackle Out-of-School Children in Kaduna

FG has secured $25.35m Kuwait Loan to tackle out-of-school children in Kaduna State.

 

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Federal Government of Nigeria has secured a $25.35 million concessionary loan from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to support a landmark education initiative targeting out-of-school children in Kaduna State.

The loan is part of a larger $62.8 million blended financing package aimed at expanding access to inclusive, quality education in vulnerable and underserved communities.

Reaching 100,000+ Out-of-School Children in Kaduna

The initiative, known as the Reaching Out-of-School Children Programme, aims to enrol over 100,000 children, including girls, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and children with disabilities. The funds will support:

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• Construction of 102 new climate-resilient schools

• Rehabilitation of 170 existing schools and learning centres

• Training of teachers and enhancement of learning environments

• Focused inclusion for marginalized communities in hard-to-reach areas

Federal Government and Kuwait Fund Partnership

In a statement released Tuesday, Mohammed Manga, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Finance, confirmed the loan agreement was signed on behalf of Kaduna State.

“This partnership is built on a $25.35 million 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 statement read.

Edun: ‘Every Dollar Must Deliver Results’

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, represented by Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, stressed the need for measurable results and transparency in social investment programmes.

“With millions of children still out of school, particularly in northern Nigeria, each dollar of intervention must translate into real and visible progress,” Edun said.

He also commended Kaduna State for promptly fulfilling its counterpart funding obligations and described the state as “a model for replication across Nigeria.”

Kaduna Increases Education Budget to 26%

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education reform, announcing a 26% budget allocation to the sector in 2025 and the state’s $1 million financial contribution to the programme.

“Education remains our highest priority. We are committed to inclusive access and long-term sustainability,” Governor Sani stated.

Kuwait Fund: ‘An Investment in Hope’

Dr. Wahid Al-Bahar, Director-General of the Kuwait Fund, described the project as “an investment in hope,” emphasizing that success will be judged not only by the number of schools built but by increased enrolment, improved learning outcomes, and strong community engagement.

Other Contributors to the Education Programme

Alongside the Kuwait Fund’s loan, other partners in the blended financing model include:

• Islamic Development Bank: $10.5 million loan

• Global Partnership for Education: $15.45 million grant

• Education Above All Foundation: $10 million grant

• Save the Children International: $0.5 million in technical assistance

• Kaduna State Government: $1 million counterpart funding

The $62.8 million package is among Nigeria’s most ambitious multi-partner education initiatives in recent years.