Oluremi Tinubu Highlights Merck Foundation’s Health and Education Initiatives in Nigeria

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First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, speaking virtually during the13th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary and Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2026 

Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, says the Merck Foundation, an international non-governmental organization and philanthropic foundation has significantly strengthened healthcare capacity, and expanded educational opportunities for vulnerable girls in Nigeria.

She stated this at the 13th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary and Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2026, held virtually with the participation of  Africa and Asia FirstLadies in collaboration with Tata Memorial Foundation India. 

She made this known at the 13th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary – Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit 2026, held virtually, which brought together First Ladies from Africa and Asia, who serve as ambassadors of the Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” campaign, alongside other development partners.

Senator Tinubu said the Foundation has provided 91 scholarships for Nigerian healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved specialties.

According to her, “42 beneficiaries in diabetes, endocrinology, cardiology, preventive cardiovascular medicine, and obesity management. 20 beneficiaries in fertility, embryology, and sexual and reproductive health. 16 beneficiaries in geriatric care, critical care, dermatology, respiratory medicine, and rheumatology. 11 beneficiaries in acute medicine, family medicine, infectious diseases, medical oncology, neurology, and pain management. Two beneficiaries in pain management and oncology research.”

She further stated that the Educating Linda Programme has supported 71 underprivileged Nigerian schoolgirls by covering their school fees and essential needs until they complete secondary education.

Senator Tinubu also revealed that Nigeria received 2,800 sets of school materials and 140,000 copies of educational storybooks for distribution to public school libraries nationwide.

She added, “I strongly believe that these books will positively impact both boys and girls by promoting important values, healthy behaviours, and social awareness from an early age.”

The First Lady further disclosed that 18 Nigerian journalists participated in the Merck Foundation online health media training held on 7 May 2026 to strengthen reporting on sensitive health and social issues.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu also noted that six Nigerian media organisations won the Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 in the “More Than a Mother” category, while eight others won in the diabetes and hypertension category.

She added that as the Foundation celebrates nine years of service and 14 years of development programmes, she commended its commitment to improving lives, empowering women and girls, strengthening healthcare systems and advancing social change across Africa and Asia.

“On behalf of all beneficiaries in Nigeria, I appreciate the Merck Foundation’s continued support,” she said


Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO together with the First Ladies of Angola,
Botswana, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Kenya,
Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe inaugurated
the 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026.

Earlier, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” Campaign, said the Foundation has provided more than 2,680 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries in 42 critical and underserved specialties.

She explained that the initiative is improving access to fertility and reproductive healthcare across Africa and helping to break the stigma associated with infertility.

“We are working to improve access to equitable and quality fertility and reproductive healthcare across Africa,” she said, adding that trained specialists have gone on to establish IVF centres and fertility clinics in several countries.

Dr. Kelej also emphasised the importance of mental health, family medicine, infectious disease management, paediatrics and geriatric care in strengthening health systems.

Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Professor Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to partnership-driven programmes under the “More Than a Mother” campaign.

He said the Foundation remains committed to breaking infertility stigma, promoting girls’ education, addressing gender-based violence and strengthening healthcare systems across Africa and Asia.

Together we will continue advancing our vision of a world where everyone can lead a healthy and happy life, he added. 

Other African First Ladies commended the Merck Foundation for its sustained contributions to healthcare and education and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with the Foundation to enhance the health and well-being of women and girls across Africa and Asia, ensuring that no one is left behind.



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