President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that his administration’s economic and institutional reforms are anchored on using education as a primary tool to reduce poverty and secure a prosperous future for Nigerian youths.

Tinubu made the remarks on Monday during a meeting with the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House in Abuja. The President’s position was disclosed in a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

Education at the Core of Reform Agenda

According to the statement, Tinubu emphasized that his government’s reform agenda is focused on equipping young Nigerians with globally competitive skills.

“Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty,” the President said.

Tinubu highlighted several youth-centred initiatives, including Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming G-20 gathering, where discussions will focus heavily on youth development.

“We will be participating in the G-20 this week. It is the third time Africa is hosting the G-20. And the central issue is about our youth. We need to strengthen the economy for our youth,” he stated.

He added that the administration’s reforms are designed to drive national growth and prosperity while prioritising demographic trends and skills development.

Education Loan Fund to Promote Inclusive Access

Tinubu pointed to the recently established education loan fund as a key step toward ensuring inclusiveness in higher education.

“We have a special education loan fund now that ensures that no one is left behind. The fund ensures that students who gain admission to universities stay in school and receive support to complete their education. Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty,” he reiterated.

Prince Edward’s Visit and Upcoming Award Events

Discussions during the meeting also touched on preparations for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award events scheduled to take place in Lagos.

Prince Edward was accompanied by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Montgomery. Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, also attended the meeting.

State House photographs released afterwards showed Montgomery, Prince Edward, President Tinubu, and Edun standing together, as well as additional images of Tinubu and Prince Edward in conversation.

Strengthening UK–Nigeria Economic Ties

Tinubu’s meeting with the Duke comes months after the British High Commissioner announced that bilateral trade between the United Kingdom and Nigeria had reached £7.2 billion. Speaking at the UK–Nigeria Economic Growth Press Conference in Abuja, Dr. Montgomery described the trade partnership as “vibrant, enduring, and multifaceted.”