Qatar Foundation to support Nigeria’s drive on Almajiri, out-of-school children education

By Kunle Sanni –

The Qatar Foundation has pledged support for Nigeria’s renewed efforts to address the challenge of Almajiri and out-of-school children education. The commitment followed a meeting between Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the foundation’s founder, Sheika Moza Bint Nasser Al-Missned, in Doha.

During the meeting, Senator Tinubu sought collaboration with the foundation to tackle the problem of more than 15 million out-of-school children in Nigeria — the highest number globally. She explained that the government, through the Ministry of Education, is introducing a transformative model for Almajiri schools that integrates Islamic and formal education.

According to her, the proposed schools will provide a safe learning environment featuring a mosque for worship, skills acquisition centres, boarding facilities, and residences for imams and caregivers. She said the holistic approach would enable children to acquire both formal and Islamic education free from exploitation while gaining practical life skills.

Senator Tinubu stressed the need for international partnerships to achieve the initiative’s objectives, describing Sheika Moza as a “visionary partner” capable of helping Nigeria realize its goals. She also commended the Qatar Foundation’s global education efforts, including Education City, which houses over 40 schools and 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,” Senator Tinubu said. “Reaching out to your esteemed organization could provide the support we urgently need.”

In her response, Sheika Moza Bint Nasser assured that the foundation would actively support Nigeria’s Almajiri and out-of-school children education programme. She added that the foundation would collaborate with the Ministry of Education and assist in training teachers and handlers to ensure effective implementation.

Earlier, the First Lady visited the headquarters of the Qatar Foundation, where she was received by its Chief Executive Officer, Yousif Al Na’am, and other officials. She was informed that 41 Nigerians are alumni of the Muhammad Khalifa University.

Senator Tinubu was accompanied on the visit by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmed; and the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education, Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris.