Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has donated 140,000 copies of educational books to public school libraries across the country in a major intervention aimed at promoting literacy, character development and values-based education among young Nigerians.
The donation, facilitated through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in partnership with the Merck Foundation, was received by the Federal Ministry of Education, with the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, describing the gesture as a lasting legacy that would strengthen the nation’s reading culture and support the development of responsible and globally competitive citizens.
Alausa said the donation aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and complements ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to improve access to quality education and learning resources.
“This generous donation is a major investment in literacy, values and national development. The books will not only enhance reading skills but also help shape the character and aspirations of young Nigerians,” the minister said.
The donation comprises seven educational titles covering critical issues affecting children and adolescents, including girl-child education, child protection, healthy living, reproductive health, prevention of gender-based violence, social responsibility and character development.
According to the minister, the books are designed to equip learners with both academic knowledge and life skills, helping them develop critical thinking abilities, empathy and a sense of civic responsibility.
“These are practical educational resources that address contemporary challenges facing young people. They will contribute significantly to nurturing informed, disciplined and productive citizens,” he added.
Alausa also commended the First Lady’s sustained commitment to education and youth development, assuring that the books would be distributed to public school libraries across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to ensure broad access for learners.
The minister noted that strengthening literacy remains a key priority of the Federal Government, as reading proficiency is fundamental to improving educational outcomes and preparing students for future opportunities in an increasingly competitive global environment.
The books were produced under the Renewed Hope Initiative, the social intervention platform established by the First Lady to support vulnerable groups and advance development in critical sectors including education, health, agriculture, economic empowerment and social welfare.
Since its launch, the initiative has implemented programmes aimed at improving the lives of women, youths, persons with disabilities and disadvantaged communities across Nigeria. Education has remained one of its core pillars, with interventions focused on expanding access to learning opportunities, supporting students and promoting literacy.
The Federal Ministry of Education described the latest donation as a significant contribution to the nation’s educational advancement and a lasting investment in future generations.
Education stakeholders have consistently stressed the importance of providing schools with quality reading materials, noting that access to books remains a critical factor in improving literacy rates and fostering a culture of lifelong learning among children.
With the distribution of the 140,000 books to public school libraries nationwide, the government hopes to encourage reading habits among pupils and students while reinforcing positive values that contribute to national development.
