Nigeria To Tackle Out-of-School Crisis With Skills Training, Tinubu Tells Macron

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to addressing its out-of-school crisis and enhancing educational opportunities, during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais des Élysée in Paris. In a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu explained that his government was focused on returning children to school through innovative initiatives, including skills development programs for older children who have missed formal education.

While accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Nigerian president emphasized that education was crucial for the nation’s development. He also acknowledged the challenges posed by insecurity in some regions but noted that efforts were underway to improve security and ensure more children could access education.

Tinubu stressed the importance of skills training to bridge educational gaps, stating, “We will encourage skills development for those who have been out of school for a while.” He also highlighted the progress made in securing the country and improving agricultural yields, which he hoped would contribute to overall stability.

In response, President Macron expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential, emphasizing the importance of supporting educational initiatives and investment in key sectors such as food security, energy, and defense. He also reflected on his own experiences in Nigeria during his earlier internship at the French Embassy.

Tinubu took the opportunity to urge French investors to explore Nigeria’s economic opportunities, particularly in the agricultural sector, which remains largely untapped. He pointed to Nigeria’s evolving financial sector as an attractive destination for French investment, especially in food security.

Furthermore, the Nigerian president called for greater cooperation in the areas of solid minerals, security, and the blue economy, particularly fisheries, noting that Nigeria’s youth population was ready for training and entrepreneurship.

Macron acknowledged the significance of the state visit, highlighting the potential for deeper collaboration between the two nations, especially in creative industries and youth development. He also assured that France would continue to invest in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, strengthening the bilateral relationship.

The visit was marked by formal ceremonies at the Hotel Les Invalides and Palais des Élysée, where both leaders committed to enhancing their countries’ partnership for mutual growth and development.