Qatar Foundation Pledges Support For Almajiri And Out-Of-School Children Education In Nigeria

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has secured the commitment of the Qatar Foundation to support Nigeria’s renewed efforts toward addressing the challenge of over 15 million out-of-school children, including Almajiri pupils.

Senator Tinubu made the appeal during a strategic meeting with the Founder and Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned, in Doha. The engagement, she said, was aimed at seeking the Foundation’s collaboration in implementing Nigeria’s new transformative model for Almajiri and out-of-school children education.

According to the First Lady, the Nigerian government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, is embarking on a comprehensive reform of the Almajiri Education System. The initiative, she explained, will integrate Islamic and formal education within a safe, inclusive learning environment.

“These schools will host and care for the children in a secure setting, which will include a mosque for worship, incorporate skills acquisition, and offer boarding facilities for students, as well as residences for Imams and caregivers,” Senator Tinubu said.
“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.”

She noted that while Nigeria is committed to tackling the challenge, the scale of the problem requires global collaboration. “Given the magnitude of this challenge and the competing demands on our national resources, Nigeria cannot achieve this alone,” the First Lady stated. “We need strategic partners, and Your Highness represents precisely the kind of visionary ally who can help us make this dream a reality.”

Commending Sheikha Moza for her global advocacy for education, Senator Tinubu praised the Qatar Foundation’s landmark achievements, including the establishment of Education City — a hub of over 40 schools, universities, and the Qatar National Library.

“I am proud to learn of your achievement in surpassing the target of enrolling 10 million marginalized children into school, and all that you continue to do for humanity. Watching you do all these great works reinforces our conviction that change is possible,” she said.

In response, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser assured Senator Tinubu of the Qatar Foundation’s readiness to support Nigeria’s initiative. She expressed the Foundation’s commitment to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Education, particularly in capacity building for teachers and caregivers to ensure high-quality outcomes.

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 senior officials. She was informed that 41 Nigerians have graduated from the Mohammed Bin Khalifa University, one of the Foundation’s partner institutions.

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