The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has met with the Founder of the Qatar Foundation, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned.
According to the First Lady, the visit was to seek the foundation’s support and intervention for the more than 15 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, the largest number globally.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu stated that the Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Education, is ready to embark on a transformative model of the Almajiri Education School System—one that integrates both Islamic and formal education.
“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 residences 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 that empower them to build their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.”
“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 commended Sheikha Moza for her various interventions, especially in the education sector, through the foundation that built the Qatar Education City with 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.”
In her response, the Chairman of the Qatar Foundation, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned, promised to actively support the Almajiri and out-of-school children education initiative. She stated that the foundation would work with the Ministry of Education in this regard and assist in training handlers and teachers in the schools once established to ensure the best outcomes.
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