The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, says technological advancement cannot replace physical books in schools across the world.

Mrs Tinubu said this during a meeting with the U.S. Special Envoy for Best Future Generations, Charles Harder, on the sidelines of the Fostering the Future Together Global Summit hosted by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump in Washington.

In a statement issued on Friday by her senior special assistant on media, Busola Kukoyi, the first lady emphasised the importance of physical books in enhancing education standards globally.

She stressed the need for children to cultivate reading habits, noting that books help to broaden knowledge without the distractions associated with social media and related digital platforms.

She also reaffirmed that education remained a priority of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

“If you want to help people, you must first understand who they really are.

“My husband understands this, just as he did when he was governor of Lagos State. He is working to sanitise the system and lay a formidable foundation that can be built upon.

“Child nutrition will also be on the front burner in a few days through the Office of the First Lady when an aggressive nationwide campaign is launched,” she said.

In his remarks, Mr Harder said the meeting was convened to advance discussions on the needs and welfare of Nigerian children.

He explained that the Best Future Generations initiative, a brainchild of Melania Trump, sought to address issues affecting children globally, including food security, nutrition, health and protection from abuse.

More than 45 first ladies from various countries participated in discussions focusing on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on children and adolescents worldwide. 

(NAN)