Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is reaffirming the importance of traditional learning methods, stating that books remain essential in schools despite the rapid advancement of technology.
She makes this known during a high-level engagement with the United States Special Envoy for Best Future Generations, Charles Harder, on the sidelines of the Fostering the Future Together Global Summit in Washington, D.C.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the summit, convened by the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, brings together over 45 First Ladies and global stakeholders to address issues affecting children worldwide, including education, health, and the impact of artificial intelligence.
Speaking at the event, Senator Oluremi Tinubu emphasizes that while digital tools are transforming education, books continue to play a critical role in shaping the intellectual development of children.
The First Lady explains that reading books helps children build concentration, expand their knowledge base, and avoid distractions often associated with social media and other digital platforms.
According to Mediaplusng.com, she stresses that maintaining a balance between technology and traditional learning is crucial to achieving sustainable educational outcomes.
Senator Tinubu also underscores the commitment of the current administration to strengthening the education sector, noting that education remains a central pillar of national development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The First Lady adds that effective leadership begins with understanding the needs of the people, particularly children, who represent the future of the nation.
Drawing from past governance experience, she notes that reforms are ongoing to create a solid and sustainable foundation for growth across sectors, including education.
Beyond education, Senator Tinubu reveals plans to launch a nationwide campaign focused on child nutrition, aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of Nigerian children.
The initiative, expected to be rolled out through the Office of the First Lady, seeks to address malnutrition and promote healthy living among children across the country.
In his remarks, Charles Harder explains that the engagement is part of broader efforts to deepen discussions on the needs and welfare of Nigerian children within a global context.
He notes that the Best Future Generations initiative, championed by Melania Trump, is designed to tackle critical challenges facing children, including access to food, nutrition, healthcare, and protection from abuse.
The Special Envoy adds that collaboration among nations is essential to ensuring that children everywhere have access to opportunities that support their growth and development.
Discussions at the summit also explore the growing influence of artificial intelligence on children and adolescents, particularly its implications for learning, behavior, and social interaction.
Stakeholders deliberate on how to harness the benefits of artificial intelligence while mitigating potential risks associated with excessive digital exposure among young people.
The presence of First Ladies from over 45 countries highlights the global commitment to advancing policies and programmes that prioritize children’s welfare.
For Nigeria, the engagement provides an opportunity to align national initiatives with global best practices in education, health, and child protection.
Analysts note that the First Lady’s advocacy for books reinforces ongoing debates about the role of technology in education and the need to preserve foundational learning methods.
They argue that while digital innovation is important, literacy development through reading remains a cornerstone of effective education systems worldwide.
As conversations continue at the global summit, Nigeria’s position reflects a broader call for balanced, inclusive, and forward-looking strategies that place children at the center of development policies.
Observers say outcomes from the summit are expected to influence future collaborations and policy directions aimed at securing a better future for children across nations.
