The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu, has issued a strong warning about the dangers of neglecting youth education, stressing that entrusting the country’s future to an uneducated generation would have catastrophic consequences for Nigeria’s development.
During a courtesy visit by the Merck Foundation, a German philanthropic non-governmental organisation, in Abuja on Wednesday, Senator Tinubu reaffirmed education as a fundamental pillar of national progress and a central focus of her flagship platform, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
She emphasized, “I believe once you have an educated population, the country will grow in bounds. It would be a disaster to hand over the future to an uneducated generation.”
In a statement released by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady praised the Merck Foundation for its impactful contributions to Nigeria’s health and education sectors, particularly highlighting its scholarship programmes in reproductive and fertility medicine.
She underscored the urgent need to strengthen efforts in promoting girls’ education and healthcare services, noting that infertility and the stigma surrounding it remain significant challenges in many African communities.
Senator Tinubu highlighted ongoing activities under the Renewed Hope Initiative, which is actively expanding scholarship opportunities to provide Nigerian youths with greater access to quality education. This, she stated, is essential for empowering young people and securing the country’s future.
In recognition of her dedication to women’s empowerment and advocacy, the Merck Foundation appointed Senator Remi Tinubu as the new ambassador for its global “More Than A Mother” Campaign.
This movement aims to dismantle the stigma associated with infertility and promote gender equality through education and awareness.
Prof. Frank Strassenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation, commended the First Lady’s visionary leadership and noted that Nigeria remains a vital strategic partner in the Foundation’s mission to improve lives across Africa.
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Foundation, also expressed a strong interest in formalising a partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative to further enhance women’s empowerment, medical outreach, and scholarship programs targeting underprivileged girls. “Nigeria is very important to us. In you, the Foundation finds a worthy partner, willing and able to expand the frontiers of a shared cause,” Dr. Kelej stated.
Founded in 2012, the Merck Foundation has been instrumental in providing educational and medical support to underserved African communities. It has significantly contributed to building local healthcare capacity through scholarships and training initiatives.
The visit concluded with a mutual commitment to strengthen collaboration and accelerate progress toward their shared development goals.
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