Tinubu education investment call highlights quality, inclusive learning as First Lady Oluremi Tinubu urges Nigeria to prepare youths for an AI driven world

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for sustained and strategic investment in education, stressing that Tinubu education investment remains critical to preparing Nigerian children and youths for national development in a rapidly changing world.

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Mrs Tinubu made the call in her 2026 International Day of Education message on Sunday, where she emphasised that education remains the foundation for building a resilient and progressive society.

She described education as the most powerful tool for acquiring knowledge, values, creativity and ethical judgement, particularly in an era increasingly shaped by innovation and automation.

According to her, the future demands citizens who are not only skilled but also grounded in strong human values.

The First Lady said skills and value based learning are essential for survival and relevance in a technology driven environment, urging policymakers to place Tinubu education investment at the heart of national priorities.

Reflecting on the 2026 theme, she said, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” Mrs Tinubu called on Nigerians to balance technological advancement with human centred development.

“As we embrace artificial intelligence and innovation, we must ensure that technology serves humanity, not the other way around,” she said, describing the approach as both urgent and empowering.

She added that humans must remain the drivers of artificial intelligence, harnessing innovation while protecting the values that define society and sustain long term development.

In her view, unchecked automation without ethical grounding could undermine social progress.

“In Nigeria, our priority is to invest in quality, inclusive education that empowers our children and youth to think critically, act responsibly, and embrace the future with confidence and compassion,” the First Lady stated.

She expressed confidence that consistent Tinubu education investment would equip young Nigerians with the capacity to adapt, innovate and contribute meaningfully to national growth.

International Day of Education is celebrated annually on January 24. The day was proclaimed by the United Nations to recognise the vital role of education in promoting peace, development and human rights.

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The global observance also underscores education’s importance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including ending poverty, reducing inequality and promoting gender equality, values the First Lady said Nigeria must continue to uphold through deliberate investment.