The Federal Ministry of Education has appreciateded the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, for donating 140,000 copies of seven books to the Ministry for distribution to public school libraries nationwide, describing the initiative as a landmark investment in literacy, values-based education and the holistic development of Nigerian children.
Receiving the books on behalf of the Federal Government, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, said the donation represents a transformative contribution to the nation’s education sector and aligns with President Bola Ahmed
Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Ministry’s commitment to delivering quality, inclusive and learner-centred education.
Produced through the First Lady’s partnership with the Merck Foundation under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the seven books address critical issues affecting children and society, including girl-child education, child protection, healthy living, gender-based violence, reproductive health, social responsibility and character development.
Dr. Alausa described Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a visionary leader whose foresight continues to inspire national transformation; a passionate advocate for education and child development; an empathetic mother of the nation whose compassion gives hope to children and vulnerable families; an innovative leader who has harnessed children’s literature as a powerful tool for learning and social change; a resilient champion of national development; a mentor inspiring young Nigerians to dream big and serve their nation; a teacher whose writings impart enduring life lessons; and an accomplished educationist whose contributions continue to enrich Nigeria’s educational landscape.
The Minister explained that each of the books reinforces positive values while addressing important social and developmental challenges. Educating Linda promotes girl-child education and protection; Sugar Free Jude encourages healthy living and diabetes awareness; A Ride into the Future inspires girls to pursue education and fulfil their potential; Mark’s Pressure raises awareness on hypertension and healthy lifestyles; Jackline’s Rescue advocates against child marriage and promotes child protection; More Than a Mother challenges misconceptions surrounding infertility and encourages reproductive health awareness; while Not Who You Are addresses gender-based violence and reinforces respect, dignity and responsible family values.
He noted that the books are practical educational resources that will complement classroom teaching by promoting literacy, critical thinking, empathy, healthy living, good character and responsible citizenship among learners.
Dr. Alausa also acknowledged the First Lady’s longstanding commitment to education, recalling that the Ministry’s successful “One Day Minister” initiative introduced during this year’s Children’s Day celebration was inspired by a similar programme she pioneered while serving as the wife of the Governor of Lagos State, reflecting her enduring commitment to nurturing leadership and giving children a voice.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that the books reach their intended beneficiaries, the Minister pledged their effective nationwide distribution to public school libraries.
“I promise you that we will use these books and disseminate them across the country,” Dr. Alausa assured, expressing confidence that the collection would enrich learning, strengthen moral values and inspire generations of Nigerian children to realise their full potential.
The Federal Ministry of Education described the donation as a lasting national legacy that will strengthen foundational learning, deepen Nigeria’s reading culture and support the development of responsible, productive and globally competitive citizens. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining partnerships that expand access to quality learning resources and advance literacy, character development and lifelong learning across the country.
Mrs. Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations
