Education, the key to unlocking Africa’s potential – Remi Tinubu

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has underscored the vital role of education in Africa’s development, positioning it as the primary tool to unlock the continent’s vast potential.

Speaking during a meeting with the Burundian Ambassador to Nigeria, Edouard Nduwimana, at the State House in Abuja, Mrs. Tinubu highlighted the transformative power of education in empowering African youths to compete on the global stage.

In a statement released by her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady expressed her gratitude that Africa is increasingly recognizing the importance of education. She emphasized that by investing in education, the continent can equip its young population with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.

Mrs. Tinubu also took the opportunity to encourage African youths to seize the educational opportunities available to them. She urged them to prepare themselves for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, emphasizing that education is not just a tool for personal development but also a means to contribute to the broader progress of the continent.

Her message aligns with ongoing efforts across Africa to prioritize education as a cornerstone of development, recognizing that an educated populace is crucial for addressing the continent’s socio-economic challenges and achieving long-term prosperity.

The First Lady also stressed that leaders must set a good example, saying “when we continue to do what is right for them and also lead by example, we will be able to win our youths over so that they can join in how we build the next century.”

Mrs. Tinubu praised Africa’s natural blessings, lamenting that the continent has not fully harnessed its resources. She urged Africans to appreciate and utilize their God-given assets to drive development and progress.

“Education is the tool for development and I thank God that Africa has known that the way out for us is to make sure that our youths are educated, so that they can really have the right of place in the market place. I also believe that the youth should realize that they need to really brace themselves up.

“When we continue to do what is right for them and also lead by example, we will be able to win our youths over so that they can join in how we build the next century.

“Africa is a continent God has really blessed and I don’t know why we have abused ourselves this long. Everything they want in developed worlds are all situated in Africa. God has really blessed us as a continent and we should not take it for granted,” she said.

She reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to bringing not only Nigeria to its pride of place but Africa as a whole.

“We have a lot of responsibility in our country but at the same time, we have to make sure the African Continent takes its pride of place among the other continents of the world.

“A lot has changed in the way we do things, Nigerians are now accountable. We want to bring the respect Nigeria really deserves,” she stressed.

Edouard Nduwimana, who spoke through an interpreter said the visit was to register his country’s appreciation for the First Lady’s interest and support for education.

He acknowledged that Burundi has had its fair share of crisis but noted that the country was back on the path of peace and progress