By Adenike Dada
In a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at addressing Nigeria’s education crisis, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has secured the commitment of the Qatar Foundation to support Nigeria’s renewed efforts in integrating out-of-school children, including Almajiri pupils, into a holistic educational framework.
Senator Tinubu, who met with the Founder and Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned, emphasized Nigeria’s urgent need for global partnerships to tackle the growing number of out-of-school children — now estimated at over 15 million, the highest globally.
The First Lady underscored the Nigerian Government’s readiness, through the Ministry of Education, to implement a reformed and transformative model of the Almajiri Education System — one that integrates both Islamic and formal education in a safe, inclusive, and development-focused environment.
“These schools will host and care for children in a secure setting,” Senator Tinubu stated. “They will include mosques for worship, vocational training opportunities, and boarding facilities. Residences for Imams and caregivers will also be provided to ensure full-time guidance and mentorship. This holistic approach is designed to equip our children with life skills, while protecting them from exploitation and preparing them to contribute positively to society.”
Recognizing the scale of the challenge and the constraints of national resources, the First Lady appealed for strategic collaboration. “Your Highness,” she addressed Sheikha Moza, “represents precisely the kind of visionary partners who can help us make this dream a reality.”
Senator Tinubu also lauded the Qatar Foundation’s impact in global education, particularly the creation of Qatar Education City, which houses over 40 academic institutions including universities and the national library. She praised Sheikha Moza’s successful global initiative that exceeded the target of enrolling 10 million marginalized children in school.
In response, Sheikha Moza pledged Qatar Foundation’s active collaboration with the Nigerian Government, particularly in supporting the new Almajiri education model. She affirmed the foundation’s willingness to work closely with the Ministry of Education in Nigeria and also offered support for the training of teachers and caregivers to ensure quality educational outcomes.
The First Lady also visited the Qatar Foundation headquarters where she was received by the CEO, Mr. Yousif Al Na’am, and other senior officials. During the visit, it was revealed that Nigeria currently has 41 alumni from the prestigious Muhammad Khalifa University in Qatar.
Accompanying Senator Tinubu on the diplomatic mission were the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, 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.
This engagement marks a promising step in Nigeria’s bid to provide inclusive and quality education for all children, as the country seeks to rewrite the narrative on education access and equity.
