The Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, has said that the National Library plays an irreplaceable role in Nigeria as the apex repository of knowledge.

Ahmad said this on Tuesday in a post she shared on her official X account after joining the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the press briefing for the National Library.

Expressing her view, the minister said as an educationist, and the daughter of an educationist, she was thrilled to witness the dedication of President Bola Tinubu’s wife to education, women’s empowerment, and the revival of the reading culture in Nigeria.

Ahmad said the First Lady’s tireless work in expanding access, improving literacy, and strengthening schools makes her a shining role model for Nigerian women, their daughters and generations to come.

“The First lady dedicating her birthday to the National Library, have reminded us of the irreplaceable role this institution plays as the apex repository of knowledge, a guardian of Nigeria’s intellectual heritage, a hub for research, learning, and culture, and a beacon for reviving our reading culture,” she said.

“Happy Birthday, Your Excellency. May God bless you abundantly and grant the successful completion of this landmark project for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

Senator Tinubu, on the occasion of her 65th birthday on September 21, 2025 had asked for donations towards the completion of the National Library, appealing to well-wishers to convert their greetings and gifts into donations under the “Oluremi at 65 Education Fund,” coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education.

“The completion of the National Library will be a great birthday gift for me,” she said, explaining that she chose to dedicate her milestone birthday to God and to a cause she described as close to her heart rather than host a lavish party.