Oluremi Tinubu Visits Qatar National Library, Seeks Global Partnership for Nigeria’s Knowledge Development

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed optimism that the completion of the National Library of Nigeria will mark a new era of intellectual and cultural pride for the nation. She made the remarks during her official visit to the Qatar National Library in Doha on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

During her tour of the state-of-the-art facility, Senator Tinubu commended Qatar for creating a world-class institution that preserves national history while providing citizens with free access to learning materials. She described the facility as a “worthy template” for Nigeria’s own national library project, emphasizing that the nation must invest in modern, digitized knowledge infrastructure to inspire future generations.

“The Qatar National Library stands as a monument of learning and culture,” she said. “Nigeria, blessed with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, must equally preserve and document its story for posterity. Our young people deserve a reference point where they can learn about their roots and national history.”

The First Lady praised the library’s motto — “Free Access to Knowledge” — highlighting its relevance to Nigeria’s educational ambitions. The Qatar National Library houses over two million printed books and 500,000 e-books, serving as one of the most significant knowledge repositories in the Middle East.

Mrs. Tinubu’s visit to the library was her first official engagement upon arrival in Doha and a prelude to her upcoming meeting with the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development. The meeting aims to explore partnerships that could support educational initiatives in Nigeria, particularly in tackling the challenges of out-of-school children and reforming the Almajiri education system.

Her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, stated that the First Lady’s interest in knowledge infrastructure reflects her long-standing advocacy for youth education and literacy development — an effort she began as the First Lady of Lagos State, when she launched the Spelling Bee Competition that later produced the One-Day Governor initiative.

The visit comes amid ongoing discussions about the completion of Nigeria’s long-delayed National Library project in Abuja. Senator Tinubu has previously called on Nigerians to contribute towards the completion of the facility, describing it as a national legacy rather than a government-only venture.

While some citizens have questioned the call for public donations, supporters argue that the First Lady’s focus on global benchmarking and education-based partnerships could help revitalize Nigeria’s reading culture and intellectual landscape.

As her visit continues in Qatar, Senator Tinubu reaffirmed her belief that education remains the most powerful tool for national growth. “A great nation begins with an informed people,” she stated. “Our libraries must reflect that vision.”