‘Our Goal Is To Use Education to Drive Down Poverty,’ Tinubu Tells Duke of Edinburgh, Highlighting New Loan Fund

President Bola Tinubu on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing education as the principal tool for economic revitalization and poverty reduction. The declaration was made during a meeting with Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, at the State House in Abuja.

The President stated unequivocally that the entire foundation of the government’s economic and institutional reforms is geared towards empowering the nation’s youth.

“Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty,” President Tinubu said, explaining that the reform agenda takes into full consideration Nigeria’s demography and the critical need for skills development to make young Nigerians globally competitive.

Education Loan Fund and Global Focus

To demonstrate this commitment to inclusive access, the President highlighted the establishment of the special education loan fund. This initiative, he noted, is designed to ensure that students admitted to universities are able to stay in school and receive the necessary support to complete their education, fulfilling the promise that “no one is left behind.”

The President also linked his administration’s youth-focused policies to Nigeria’s international engagements, noting the country’s upcoming participation in the G-20 summit. He pointed out that the central issue at such global forums remains the youth, emphasizing the need to strengthen the economy for their benefit.

Duke Commends Nigeria’s Reform Trajectory

The Duke of Edinburgh, who serves as the Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, was in Nigeria to host a series of events in Lagos aimed at expanding the non-formal education framework. Prince Edward used the opportunity to commend the Tinubu administration, stating that the economic reforms have drawn positive reviews across the globe.

He noted that the upcoming International Award ceremonies in Lagos, in partnership with the state government, will recognize 320 young Nigerians for their efforts in pursuing passions, developing relevant skills, and contributing to national growth. Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, was present at the meeting and briefed the delegation on the nation’s policy choices being shaped by its young median age of 17.