Oluremi Tinubu harps on importance of early childhood education to nation building

At a high-level forum of women leaders in Bujumbura, Burundi, Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, emphasized the critical role of early childhood education in fostering national development.

Speaking on the theme, “Investing in Early Childhood to Build Human Capital Throughout Life,” Tinubu highlighted the profound impact early education can have on a nation’s future.

According to a statement by her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady pointed out that early childhood, particularly from birth to age eight, is a period of intense cognitive, physical, and emotional growth.

She stressed that this foundational stage has long-term implications not only for individual success but also for a nation’s economic stability and social development.

Addressing an audience that included the First Ladies of Slovenia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Gambia, and Türkiye, Tinubu called for stronger governmental and societal support to enhance early education policies. “As women leaders and mothers of our nations, we hold a unique position to champion social change,” she said, urging for more comprehensive efforts to back government initiatives in early childhood education

Citing research, Tinubu emphasized that early education forms the bedrock of national prosperity and sustainable development. She called for increased advocacy for policies that nurture young children, ensuring a brighter future for both individuals and society.

The forum, which featured input from representatives of the United Nations and UNICEF, also highlighted the significance of school feeding programs in promoting early school attendance, especially in African countries.

Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who opened the event, reinforced the family’s pivotal role in child development. The forum, marking its fifth edition, concluded with a collective call for peace in the region, recognizing that a stable environment is crucial for advancing early childhood education.