The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has secured the commitment of the Qatar Foundation to support Nigeria’s renewed efforts to address the challenge of Almajiri and out-of-school children’s education.
Mrs Tinubu met with the Founder and Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned, during her visit to Doha.
The First Lady said the meeting was aimed at seeking the Foundation’s partnership in tackling Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, which affects over 15 million children, the largest number globally.
She explained that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, is set to implement a transformative Almajiri Education Schools System that integrates Islamic and formal education.
“These schools will host and care for children in a safe learning environment that includes a mosque for worship, skills acquisition centres, boarding facilities for students, and accommodation for Imams and caregivers,” she said.
“This holistic approach will allow children to acquire both formal and Islamic education free from exploitation, while equipping them with life skills to build meaningful lives and contribute to society.”
She noted that the scale of the challenge demands strategic partnerships, adding that Sheikha Moza represents the kind of visionary ally needed to make the initiative a reality.
Mrs Tinubu commended the Qatar Foundation’s extensive contributions to global education, including the establishment of Qatar Education City, which hosts more than 40 schools and universities, as well as the Qatar National Library.
“I am proud to learn of your achievements in surpassing the target of enrolling 10 million marginalised children into school, and all that you continue to do for humanity,” she said.
“Watching you do these great works has reinforced our conviction that change is possible. We believe your support can help us make this vision a reality.”
In her response, Sheikha Moza pledged the Foundation’s active support for Nigeria’s Almajiri and out-of-school children education initiative.
She said the Foundation would work closely with the Ministry of Education, particularly in teacher and caregiver training, to ensure the schools deliver quality outcomes.
Earlier, Mrs Tinubu visited the Qatar Foundation headquarters, where she was conducted round by the CEO, Yousif Al-Na’am, and other officials.
She was also informed that 41 Nigerians are alumni of the Mohammed Bin Khalifa University.
The First Lady was accompanied on the visit by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed; and Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education, Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris.
