Nigerian First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Warns Against Digital Distractions in Schools During Global Education Summit

Nigeria's First Lady Oluremi Tinubu emphasizes that technology cannot replace books in schools during a major education summit in Washington.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 4:36 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Newsdiaryonline

The Enduring Value of the Printed Word

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, asserted that technological progress should not lead to the abandonment of physical books in the global educational landscape. During a strategic meeting with U.S. Special Envoy Charles Harder in Washington, Tinubu argued that physical texts remain indispensable for maintaining high academic standards. According to a statement released by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady believes that physical books offer a depth of engagement that digital alternatives often fail to replicate, serving as a vital anchor for student focus in an increasingly digitized world.

Escaping the Labyrinth of Digital Distractions

A central theme of the First Lady’s address was the need for children to develop disciplined reading habits away from the noise of the internet. Tinubu noted that books allow for the expansion of a child's knowledge without the constant interruptions associated with social media and diverse digital platforms. By prioritizing tactile reading, she suggests that educators can shield young minds from the fragmented attention spans often caused by screen-based learning. This perspective frames the physical book not as an obsolete relic, but as a necessary tool for cognitive clarity and deep learning.

Presidential Commitment to Educational Reform

The First Lady utilized the international forum to reaffirm that the administration of President Bola Tinubu views education as a cornerstone of its national agenda. She stated that the President is currently working to sanitize the Nigerian educational system, aiming to establish a robust foundation for future generations. Drawing parallels to his previous tenure as the Governor of Lagos State, she emphasized that a deep understanding of the people is required to implement effective help. According to Tinubu, these systemic reforms are essential for creating a stable environment where both traditional and modern learning tools can coexist.