Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians in the diaspora to support the country’s development by collaborating with relevant institutions back home and promoting innovation.

She made the appeal during an interactive session with Nigerians in Qatar on the sidelines of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) in Doha.

Senator Tinubu commended the Nigerian professionals, innovators, and start-up founders participating in the summit, noting that they are positively projecting the country’s image on the global stage. She encouraged them to view themselves not just as achievers, but as agents of national transformation.

“The best you can give children is the ability to dream on their own. Education gives that ability,” she said, urging them to extend knowledge and mentorship to Nigerian youths.

The First Lady emphasized that as Nigeria works to reclaim its dignity and position in the international community, its citizens abroad must play a role in that journey.

“The Nigeria that gave us the opportunity to be what we are today—our youth also deserve it. We need to hold on to the optimism that our dear nation will be great again. I thank you all for making Nigeria proud,” she said.

She urged them to mentor young Nigerians and promote a mindset shift toward innovation and long-term development.

To accelerate collaborative efforts, Senator Tinubu referred some of the innovators to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who was present at the meeting, recommending possible partnerships. She noted that strategic cooperation between diaspora start-ups and government agencies could deliver greater impact.

Earlier, the First Lady also received members of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities of Nigeria, who were in Doha for the Education Beyond Borders Conference.