Editor
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing education for Nigerian children during dialogue with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais des Élysée.
President Tinubu outlined plans to significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children through innovative return-to-class initiatives and skills development programs. He emphasized the importance of creating a supportive framework to ensure school-age children re-enter classrooms, while also focusing on motivation and skill acquisition as critical components of the initiative.
“To bridge the gap for those who have been out of school for a while, we will encourage skills development,” President Tinubu said.
Accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the President stressed to President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron that Nigeria’s developmental potential depends on cultivating a well-educated populace.
“Insecurity in some parts of the country has made it difficult for children to return to school, but we are gradually re-populating the classrooms. Skills development will help bridge these gaps,” he added.
President Tinubu also highlighted progress in improving security across Nigeria, describing the use of “kinetic” strategies in the peace-building process.
“With continued effort, we can achieve greater stability. This year, we had a very good harvest, and as more farmers return to their fields, we will see further improvements in food security and supply,” he noted.
In response, President Macron commended Nigeria’s vast growth potential and underscored the importance of investing in education. Reflecting on his experiences during a six-month internship at the French Embassy in Nigeria, which included visits to Lagos and Kano, Macron expressed optimism about the country’s future.
President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron thanked President Tinubu and Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their State Visit, pledging to strengthen the France-Nigeria partnership and elevate it to new heights.
