The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, says there is the need to invest in education so as to safeguard the future of upcoming generations.

Jonathan said this in Abuja on Friday at the launching of the N500 million fund raising ceremony of the Nigeria Air Force Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA) boarding school.

According to her, the school was not only important to the future of children but critical to the future and development of the country.

She said: “an investment in education is an investment in the future of our dear country Nigeria.

“It has been observed that with improved education, so many other areas of human existence are positively affected.”

The president’s wife said education aside being a tool to read and write could bring about the kind of social change that would benefit humanity.

“Education goes beyond mere learning how to read and write. It is a tool that can bring about the kind of social change that will benefit all of humanity.

“Making education accessible to all is very essential to bringing about social progress.

“Through education, girls and boys are equipped with critical skills to help them realize their talents and contribute meaningfully to national development.’’

She urged relevant stakeholders and well-meaning individuals and organizations to complement government’s effort by investing in education to safeguard the future generation.

The NAFOWA President, Mrs Iyah Badeh, thanked donors at the event and added that she would ensure students enrolled in the school “ compete favourably with their counterparts globally.

“The NAFOWA boarding school is aimed at complementing government’s efforts to promote education of a high order for our future leaders.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that more than 60 million Naira and several undisclosed amounts was raised at the event.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, were among the dignitaries that graced the occasion.

Others are the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar and captains of industry. (NAN)