The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated her commitment to expanding scholarship opportunities for Nigerian youth, underscoring the critical role of education in national development.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the management of Merck Foundation, a German philanthropic non-governmental organisation, Senator Tinubu emphasised that education remains a cornerstone of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She described an educated populace as the foundation for sustainable progress and prosperity.
MERCK Foundation, Prof. Frank Strangenberg-Haverkamp Assisted by Dr Rasha Kelej to Present an Award to Senator Oluremi Tinubu
“I am deeply honoured by your visit and your work across Africa. Education is the gateway to a nation’s growth. It would be disastrous to leave our future in the hands of an uneducated generation”, the First Lady stated.
The visit marked the beginning of a promising collaboration between the Merck Foundation and the First Lady’s pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which prioritises interventions in education, health, and social welfare.
Senator Tinubu lauded the Foundation for its existing contributions to Nigeria, particularly, in health and education, including its scholarships for students studying reproductive and fertility medicine.
while appreciating the Foundation’s efforts to combat these issues through education and medical training, she stated, “Infertility and the stigma that surrounds it remain deeply rooted challenges in Africa.”
In recognition of her advocacy for women, girls, and education, the Merck Foundation named Senator Oluremi Tinubu as an Ambassador for its “More Than a Mother” Campaign.
The Chairman of the Foundation, Professor Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, presented the honour, praising the First Lady’s leadership and dedication.
“Nigeria is a key partner in our vision for a better Africa. We founded Merck Foundation in 2012 to give back to society, with a focus on women’s empowerment and youth development. Your initiatives align perfectly with our mission”, ” Professor Stangenberg-Haverkamp said.
The Foundation’s CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej, also expressed the organisation’s desire to collaborate with the Renewed Hope Initiative on several fronts, including medical outreach, scholarship programs—especially for girls—and broader women empowerment campaigns.
“We are committed to advancing girls’ education, ending child marriage, and empowering women at all levels of society. In you, Your Excellency, we have found a powerful ally and a passionate advocate for our shared goals”, Dr. Kelej noted.
Merck Foundation provides scholarships for nationals of African countries and underserved communities. Through a partnership with the Office of the First Lady, the organisation hopes to scale its impact across Nigeria, offering greater access to education and healthcare for those who need it most.
