Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has donated 140,000 copies of seven educational storybooks to the Federal Ministry of Education for distribution to public school libraries across the country in a move aimed at strengthening literacy, promoting values-based education and supporting the holistic development of Nigerian children.
The books, published by the Merck Foundation and reproduced under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), cover themes including girl-child development, healthy living, confidence building, empathy, gender equity and social responsibility. They are expected to benefit learners in public schools nationwide by enriching library resources and encouraging a stronger reading culture.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Abuja, Senator Tinubu described the donation as part of her commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians through education and empowering children with knowledge and positive values.
“It gladdens my heart that I am able to partner with the Merck Foundation on this. The books may appear small in number compared to our population, but they are meaningful,” she said.
She explained that although the books focus on girl-child development, their lessons are beneficial to every child.
“The books will benefit both boys and girls by helping them develop confidence, empathy, healthy habits and an appreciation for equity and social responsibility,” the First Lady stated, adding that the initiative reflects her determination to equip young Nigerians with the values and confidence needed to realise their aspirations.
Receiving the books on behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the donation as a landmark investment in Nigeria’s education sector, saying it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Ministry’s drive to provide quality, inclusive and learner-centred education.
Alausa said the books represent far more than educational materials, describing them as valuable tools for shaping responsible and productive citizens.
“This remarkable contribution is far more than a donation of books. It is an investment in literacy, character development and the future of our children. By placing quality reading materials in schools nationwide, we are strengthening a culture of reading while equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and values they need to thrive,” the minister said.
He expressed appreciation to the First Lady for her sustained commitment to education and pledged that the books would be effectively distributed to public school libraries across the federation.
“On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education, I thank Her Excellency for her unwavering commitment to education and the development of every Nigerian child,” Alausa added.
The Federal Ministry of Education noted that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to deepen literacy, strengthen character formation and inspire a lifelong reading culture among Nigerian children, while supporting the government’s vision of producing globally competitive learners equipped with the knowledge and values required for national development.
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