The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has met with the Founder and Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation, Sheika Moza Bint Nasser Al-Missned, to seek the foundation’s support in addressing Nigeria’s challenge of out-of-school children. The meeting, which took place in Qatar, focused on finding collaborative solutions to the education crisis, as Nigeria currently has more than 15 million out-of-school children, the highest number globally.
According to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Education, is prepared to implement a new and transformative model for the Almajiri Education Schools System. The initiative aims to integrate both Islamic and formal education while ensuring that children are provided with a safe and supportive learning environment.
“These schools will host and care for the children in a safe learning environment, which will include a mosque for worship, incorporate skills acquisition, and offer boarding facilities for students, as well as residence for Imams and care givers. This holistic approach will allow children to acquire both formal and Islamic education free from exploitation, while equipping them with life skills that empower them to build their lives and contribute meaningfully to society,” the First Lady said.
She emphasized that due to the magnitude of the challenge and the limited national resources, Nigeria cannot achieve the goal alone. “However, given the magnitude of this challenge and the competing demands on our national resources, Nigeria cannot achieve this alone, we need strategic partners, and Your Highness represents precisely the kind of visionary partners who can help us make this dream a reality,” she stated.
Senator Tinubu also commended Sheika Moza for her contributions to education and humanitarian causes through the Qatar Foundation. She noted that the foundation has made significant strides with the establishment of the Qatar Education City, which hosts over 40 schools, including universities and the Qatar National Library.
“I am proud to learn of your achievements in surpassing the target of enrolling 10 million marginalized children into school, and all that you continue to do for humanity around the world. Watching you do all these great works has reinforced our conviction that change is possible and I believe reaching out to your esteemed organization could provide the support we urgently need,” she added.
In response, Sheika Moza Bint Nasser Al-Missned pledged to support the Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education initiative in Nigeria. She confirmed that the Qatar Foundation will work closely with Nigeria’s Ministry of Education and assist in training teachers and handlers to ensure the best outcomes for the students.
Earlier, Senator Tinubu was received at the headquarters of the Qatar Foundation by its CEO, Yousif Al Na’am, who conducted her and her delegation around the facility. During the visit, the First Lady was informed that Nigeria has 41 alumni from the Muhammad Khalifa University.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu was accompanied on the visit by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, and the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education, Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris.