QATAR FOUNDATION ASSURES SUPPORT FOR ALMAJIRI AND OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN EDUCATION
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has met with the Founder and Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned.
According to the First Lady, the visit was aimed at seeking the Foundation’s support and interventions for Nigeria’s over 15 million out-of-school children — the highest number globally.
Senator Tinubu stated that the Nigerian government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, is set 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 enable children to acquire both formal and Islamic education free from exploitation, while equipping them with life skills that empower them to build meaningful lives and contribute positively to society,” she said.
She added that, given the scale of the challenge and the competing demands on national resources, Nigeria cannot achieve this goal alone.
“We need strategic partners, and Your Highness represents precisely the kind of visionary collaborator who can help us make this dream a reality,” the First Lady noted.
Senator Tinubu commended Sheikha Moza for her impactful interventions, especially in the education sector, through the Qatar Foundation, which built the Qatar Education City — home to 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 in school, and all that you continue to do for humanity around the world. Watching you accomplish such great feats has reinforced our conviction that change is possible. I believe that engaging with your esteemed organization could provide the vital support we urgently need,” she added.
In her response, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned, Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation, expressed readiness to actively support the Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education initiative. She pledged that the Foundation would collaborate with Nigeria’s Ministry of Education, particularly in training the teachers and handlers of the schools when established, to ensure the best outcomes.
Earlier, Senator Tinubu visited the headquarters of the Qatar Foundation, where she was conducted around the facility by the CEO, Yousif Al-Na’am, and other officials. She was informed that Nigeria currently has 41 alumni from the Mohammed bin Khalifa University.
The First Lady was accompanied on the visit by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; the 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.
SIGNED:
Busola Kukoyi
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Monday, 13th October, 2025
