By Ayomide Otitoju
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has met with the Founder and Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation, Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Al-Missned, to seek collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s growing challenge of out-of-school children.
According to Senator Tinubu, the visit aimed to secure the Foundation’s support and interventions for over 15 million out-of-school children in Nigeria — the highest number globally.
She revealed that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, is set to implement a new transformative model for the Almajiri Education School System, which will integrate Islamic and formal education.
“These schools will host and care for the children in a safe learning environment, complete with a mosque for worship, skills acquisition centres, boarding facilities, and residences for Imams and caregivers,” the First Lady said. “This holistic approach will allow children to receive both formal and Islamic education free from exploitation, while acquiring life skills that will enable them to contribute meaningfully to society.”
Senator Tinubu emphasized that given the scale of the challenge and Nigeria’s limited resources, international partnerships are vital. She praised Sheikha Moza’s leadership in advancing global education through the Qatar Foundation, which established the Qatar Education City—home to over 40 schools, including universities and the Qatar National Library.
“I am proud to learn of your achievement in enrolling over 10 million marginalized children into school globally. Watching your impact has reinforced our conviction that change is possible,” she added.
In her response, Sheikha Moza pledged the Foundation’s active support for Nigeria’s Almajiri and out-of-school children education initiative. She assured that the Foundation would work closely with Nigeria’s Ministry of Education and assist in training teachers and caregivers to ensure effective implementation.
Earlier, Senator Tinubu visited the Qatar Foundation headquarters, where she was received by its CEO, Yousif Al-Na’am, and briefed 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.
