Qatar Foundation vows strong support for Nigeria’s Almajiri, out-of-school children education initiative

Abdullateef Fowewe

The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has secured a commitment from the Qatar Foundation to support Nigeria’s efforts to educate over 15 million out-of-school children, the largest number worldwide.

Tinubu in a statement on obtained on Monday from the SSA Media to the First Lady, Busola Kukoyi, outlined Nigeria’s plan for a transformative Almajiri education model integrating Islamic and formal education, stating, “These schools will host and care for the children in a safe learning environment. This holistic approach will allow children to acquire both Formal and Islamic education free from exploitation, while equipping them with life skills that empowers them to build their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.”

Acknowledging the challenge, she emphasised Nigeria’s need for international partnerships, “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.”

In response, Sheika Moza Bint Nasser Al-Missned, Founder and Chairman of the Qatar Foundation, pledged active support for the initiative, promising collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Education and training for educators and caregivers to ensure the program’s success.

Tinubu also praised the Foundation’s accomplishments, saying, “I am proud to learn of your achievements in surpassing the target of enrolling 10 million marginalized children into school… Watching you do all these great works has reinforced our conviction that change is possible.”

The visit included a tour of the Qatar Foundation headquarters and discussions on expanding educational cooperation, with Nigerian officials including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare and the Minister of State for Education joining the delegation.

This collaboration marks a significant step towards tackling Nigeria’s educational challenges for vulnerable children and sets the stage for innovative, inclusive schooling systems.