Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, has called on global leaders, educators, and innovators to ensure that technology advances in ways that uphold human values.

Speaking at the “Education Above All” plenary of the 12th World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) in Doha, Qatar, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that humanity must remain central to technological progress. She warned that innovation without ethics could undermine development rather than enhance it.

In a statement released by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said,

“We should be the drivers of technology. Technology must lead; we should not remove human values from technology.”

She highlighted that the rapid growth of digital tools requires deliberate efforts to safeguard human dignity, connection, and purpose.

Sharing the stage with counterparts from Lebanon and Syria, Senator Tinubu commended Qatar’s educational achievements and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to expanding access to schooling for all children, particularly girls. She emphasized that no religion prohibits girls’ education and affirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to unlocking the potential of quality learning.

“Everything begins with education,” she said. “Nigeria has a huge human capital resource, and that is what we thrive on.”

Mrs. Tinubu also showcased the global achievements of Nigerian youth across sectors such as arts, technology, fashion, agriculture, and the creative industries, attributing much of this progress to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prioritization of innovation and technology.

She noted the benefits and challenges of digital literacy:

“Digital tools allow faster learning and broader access. While some young people use them positively, others misuse them. Continuous empowerment is essential for their success.”

The summit, hosted by Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation, attracted over 150,000 participants worldwide. Speakers emphasized that human values and ethics must guide artificial intelligence and other technological innovations, warning that progress without moral grounding would be hollow.