Manny Ita
Vice President Kashim Shettima officially inaugurated a suite of national intervention programs today at the State House in Abuja, marking a significant shift in the federal government’s approach to human capital development. The launch, held on the sidelines of the Africa Social Impact Summit 2026, introduced the Nigeria Foundational Learning Fund and the Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion (WYFEI) initiative. These programs are designed to address the country’s high number of out-of-school children and bridge the credit gap for underrepresented demographics.
During the ceremony, the Vice President emphasized that the initiatives represent more than just financial aid, describing them as a “compact-based delivery” model intended to ensure measurable outcomes. He noted that the Nigeria Foundational Learning Fund would specifically target the quality of primary education, focusing on accelerating “foundational literacy and numeracy” for millions of children. Shettima highlighted the urgency of the intervention, stating that the government is committed to transforming Nigeria into a “hub for implementation” for broader African Union developmental goals.
The event also saw the unveiling of the Business Coalition for Education (BCE), a private-sector-led framework aimed at aligning corporate investments with national literacy targets. Addressing the delegates, Shettima asserted that the administration’s goal is to move beyond “talk shops” and toward co-investment models where the government and private sector share the risk of lending to young entrepreneurs. The launch culminated in the signing of the WYFEI Nigeria Declaration by over 200 global leaders, diplomats, and CEOs, formalizing a collective pledge to increase financial access for women and youth across the federation.
