The Federal Government has urged Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Desk Officers in federal tertiary institutions to prioritise public interest, affordability and improved learning outcomes in partnership projects, saying investments in education must deliver social benefits rather than focus solely on profit.
The directive was given at the two-day Annual PPP Forum for Desk Officers, held November 4–5, 2026, at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria in Abuja. The forum was organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Infrastructure and Public-Private Partnership.
Key Highlights
- FG says tertiary institution PPP projects must prioritise public interest and affordability.
- Education partnerships should deliver social benefits and improve learning outcomes.
- Institutions are encouraged to identify viable investments and develop bankable proposals.
- ICRC says it has reduced PPP project review time from about 60 days to seven days.
- The commission highlighted 13 guidelines for PPP project development and implementation.
- FG reaffirmed its commitment to transparent and accountable education partnerships.
FG Emphasises Public Interest in Education Partnerships
Dr Folake David, Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education, gave the charge at the forum.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, David urged participants to design public-private partnerships in tertiary institutions around the needs of students and the wider public.
She encouraged PPP Desk Officers to identify viable investment opportunities, prepare bankable project proposals and engage credible private-sector investors who can support educational infrastructure development.
David said affordability and benefits to students must remain central to every proposed partnership, warning that projects students cannot afford may fail to achieve their intended objectives.
ICRC Reduces PPP Project Review Period to Seven Days
Representing the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Akwu Okolo said the commission had reduced its PPP project review process from approximately 60 days to seven days.
He also highlighted 13 PPP guidelines issued by the commission to guide the development and implementation of partnership projects. The ICRC’s PPP project guidance and document library provides resources for institutions and project stakeholders.
FG Reaffirms Commitment to Education Infrastructure Development
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to transparent, accountable and value-driven partnerships to improve educational infrastructure across the country.
The ministry said the initiative aligns with efforts to strengthen cooperation between government institutions and private investors while supporting reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The forum also provided an opportunity to strengthen connections between government policy, private investment and sustainable project implementation in Nigeria’s education sector.
The Federal Government maintained that successful PPP projects must deliver measurable value to institutions, remain affordable to students and contribute to improved learning conditions.
Read also:
- UBEC Partners Traditional Rulers to Tackle Out-of-School Children Crisis in Nigeria
- Delta Students Welcome Oborevwori’s Hostel Plan as Government Approves New Facilities for UNIDEL, DELSU
For more education news, follow us on X.
