Wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, has secured the commitment of Qatar Foundation to support Nigeria’s renewed efforts to address the challenge of Almajiri and out-of-school children’s education. She met with the Founder and Chairperson of the foundation, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned, during her visit to Doha. 

The First Lady said the meeting aimed to seek 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.

Her words: “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.

“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.

Tinubu commended the 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.