Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has made a compelling call for greater investment in quality and inclusive education as part of the nation’s development agenda. Speaking on January 24, 2026, to mark this year’s International Day of Education, Mrs Tinubu urged government, private sector leaders, educators and civil society partners to work together and prioritise learning systems that prepare children and young people for the demands of the modern world.
In her message, the First Lady underlined how education is more than access to classrooms and textbooks. It must be a foundation for nurturing critical thinking, ethical values, creativity and resilience in the face of rapid technological change. She stressed that as Nigeria navigates the realities of automation, digital transformation and global competition, it is vital that young citizens are empowered with the skills and confidence to thrive.
Mrs Tinubu noted that education remains “the most powerful tool for acquiring knowledge, values, creativity and ethical judgement” in a world increasingly shaped by innovation and technology. She encouraged learners, teachers and parents to embrace the evolving educational landscape and to see inclusion as central to progress.
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Championing Inclusion in a Technology‑Driven Era
The 2026 International Day of Education was marked under the theme AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation. In line with this global focus, the First Lady highlighted the need for technology in schools, but with a clear priority on human empowerment. She reminded Nigerians that technological advances should serve human development and not replace it.
“As we embrace artificial intelligence and innovation, we must ensure that technology serves humanity, not the other way around,” Mrs Tinubu said. She added that learners must remain at the centre of educational transformation so that values such as compassion, ethics and responsibility are preserved alongside technical skills.
The First Lady also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to policies that promote inclusive education for all children, including those with special needs and those living in marginalised communities. Her message emphasised that investment in education is an investment in the nation’s future stability, prosperity and cohesion.
Nigeria’s Broader Push for Quality Education
Mrs Tinubu’s message comes as part of a broader national dialogue on education reform and inclusion. The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), chaired by the First Lady, has been active in supporting educational access, scholarships and empowerment programmes. For example, RHI scholarship schemes and laptop distributions have helped students in tertiary institutions pursue their studies with better tools and resources.
In recent years, the government has also been integrating digital technologies into the curriculum and seeking partnerships that support out‑of‑school children, including Almajiri learners, through inclusive education models. These efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to ensuring that Nigeria’s education system leaves no learner behind.
Analysts say that expanding inclusive education will have far‑reaching effects on national development. Beyond improving literacy and numeracy, inclusive schools help strengthen social cohesion, reduce inequality and build a workforce ready for the future. Educators and development partners have welcomed the First Lady’s call, describing it as a timely reminder of education’s central role in national growth.
The Road Ahead for Inclusive Learning
As Nigeria reflects on the International Day of Education, stakeholders in education policy and practice are taking stock of current challenges and opportunities. There is a shared consensus that building an inclusive system will require sustained funding, strong leadership, committed teachers and active engagement from communities across the country.
The First Lady’s message resonates with parents, educators and young Nigerians who see education as a gateway to personal fulfilment and national progress. Her call for inclusive education is not only a reminder of what remains to be done but a rallying cry for action from all sectors of society.
As the country continues to embrace technological change, Mrs Tinubu’s leadership highlights the need to balance innovation with human values, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s future.
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