First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has announced that the Oluremi @65 Education Fund has raised a total of ₦25,520,708,074.35 to support the building of a National Library, saying the result reflects broad national support for education and knowledge preservation.
Oluremi @65 Education Fund to move into federal oversight
The donation window for the fund, established to mark the First Lady’s 65th birthday on 21 September 2025, formally closed on 31 December 2025. Mrs Tinubu said the project will now proceed under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education, and that any further contributions should be channelled through the Ministry.
“I extend my appreciation to all Nigerians, family, friends and well-wishers who generously supported the Oluremi @65 Education Fund, created in commemoration of my 65th birthday towards building the National Library,” she said in a statement released on Wednesday. The First Lady described the amount as a significant investment in Nigeria’s educational and intellectual infrastructure.
National backing for education and preservation of knowledge
Officials and donors across the country responded to the appeal, with contributions from individuals, private organisations and philanthropic bodies. Mrs Tinubu said the scale of support demonstrated a shared commitment to education and national development, and fostered unity among Nigerians from different backgrounds.
Under the new arrangement, the Federal Ministry of Education will oversee project implementation, ensuring that planning, procurement and construction follow established public sector processes. The First Lady encouraged transparent oversight and invited stakeholders to work with the Ministry to bring the library project to fruition.
Analysts say a well-funded national library could serve as a hub for research, learning and cultural preservation, and support wider efforts to improve literacy and educational outcomes. The project aligns with ongoing public and private initiatives to expand educational infrastructure across the country.
Next steps and public involvement
With the donation account closed, the Ministry of Education will receive any further support and will manage the technical and administrative steps required to move from planning to construction. Mrs Tinubu reiterated her gratitude and urged contributors to channel additional support through the Ministry’s official channels.
As the country approaches 2026, the First Lady closed her statement by wishing Nigerians and their families peace and prosperity in the New Year and thanking citizens for their trust and generosity. The announcement marks the start of a formal phase in which government agencies will translate raised funds into a tangible national asset intended to benefit students, researchers and the wider public.
Observers will watch closely as the Ministry publishes timelines, procurement plans and oversight arrangements to ensure the funds are applied efficiently and the National Library delivers long-term value to Nigeria’s educational landscape.
Key Takeaways:
- The Oluremi @65 Education Fund closed at ₦25.52bn, with donations totalling ₦25,520,708,074.35 for a new national library.
- The fund, launched on 21 September 2025, will now be overseen and implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education.
- First Lady Oluremi Tinubu thanked Nigerians and urged further support to be channelled through the Ministry.
- The initiative emphasises investment in education, knowledge preservation and national development ahead of 2026.
