Oluremi Tinubu: I’m Committed to Advancing Girls’ Education and Women’s Health

Senator Oluremi Tinubu

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed her commitment to promoting initiatives that focus on the health and education of girls and women across the country.

Speaking at the 13th Anniversary of the MERCK Foundation and the 7th edition of its First Ladies Initiative Summit in Dubai, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the transformative impact of girls’ education—particularly in healthcare-related fields—on the nation's overall well-being.

Addressing an audience that included First Ladies from 13 other countries, Senator Tinubu said:

“Empowering girls through education is essential for building stronger and healthier societies. As a lifelong teacher, I believe this is one of the most powerful investments we can make in our future.”

She also highlighted the efforts of the Renewed Hope Initiative, a program she leads, which has consistently prioritized education and youth development, especially for girls. She noted that through partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, her office aims to expand the reach of programs that equip Nigerian doctors with advanced medical training.

The First Lady praised the MERCK Foundation’s work in offering scholarships to doctors and medical professionals across Africa and Asia.

“This initiative not only boosts our healthcare systems but also empowers communities from within,” she added.

Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the MERCK Foundation, explained that the training enables doctors to set up specialized clinics in their communities, providing essential care and managing key health conditions locally.

The summit, attended by First Ladies from Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Cape Verde, Angola, and others, also addressed the broader role of African women. Speakers discussed the cultural and economic barriers women face and applauded the Foundation's role in breaking these barriers through education and healthcare advocacy.

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Foundation, emphasized:

“Girls’ education is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. We must end the cycle of discrimination.”

The MERCK Foundation has already awarded over 2,200 scholarships to medical professionals from 52 countries in 44 specialized healthcare areas. Additionally, through its Educating Linda program, it has fully funded the education of 956 girls, alongside leading awareness campaigns on infertility stigma, gender-based violence, and non-communicable diseases.

The summit concluded with a renewed call for collaboration between African governments and the MERCK Foundation to strengthen healthcare systems and promote girls’ education across the continent.

Vanguard

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