Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has emphasized the need for urgent, united efforts to safeguard education and protect schools nationwide, describing it as vital to the country’s future.

Senator Tinubu, a former educator and strong advocate for education, made the call in a statement on Tuesday to mark the 2025 International Day to Protect Education from Attack.

This year’s theme, “Challenging Narratives, Reshaping Action,” emphasizes the need for practical steps not just talk to protect learners, educators, and schools from violence, insecurity, and other threats.

“The theme is a clarion call for us all government, civil society, and communities to move from rhetoric to real, meaningful action,” the First Lady said. “Education is the bedrock of our national development. We cannot afford to leave our schools vulnerable to attack or neglect.”

Senator Tinubu pointed out that rising insecurity in parts of the country has made schools frequent targets, with serious consequences for children’s education and well-being. She stressed that creating safe learning environments is a collective responsibility. “Protecting education is not just about securing physical infrastructure, but also about defending the hopes and dreams of the next generation,” she added.

The First Lady’s message comes as Nigeria joins the global community in reaffirming its commitment to upholding the right to education, even in conflict and crisis situations. She urged stakeholders at all levels to invest in policies and initiatives that focus on school safety, teacher protection, and community involvement, emphasizing that these efforts are crucial for maintaining educational progress and driving national development.