The Qatar Foundation has pledged to support Nigeria’s renewed drive to reform the Almajiri and out-of-school-children education system as part of efforts to tackle the country’s high number of out-of-school children.

The commitment came after a strategic meeting between Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Foundation’s Founder, Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Al-Missned, in Doha. Mrs. Tinubu, who led the Nigerian delegation, appealed for Qatar’s partnership to address the challenge of over 15 million children currently out of school in Nigeria — the highest figure globally.

According to the First Lady, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, is introducing a new model of Almajiri Education Schools that will integrate Islamic and formal learning. The initiative, she said, will provide children with a safe environment that includes worship centres, skills acquisition facilities, and boarding accommodations for students, 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 to contribute meaningfully to society,” Mrs. Tinubu stated.

Sheikha Moza, who also chairs the Qatar Foundation, assured that the organisation would collaborate directly with Nigeria’s Ministry of Education to provide technical assistance, including training of teachers and caregivers to ensure quality education. The First Lady commended Sheikha Moza’s global humanitarian efforts and her success in enrolling over 10 million marginalised children worldwide, noting that her work serves as an inspiration for Nigeria’s ongoing education reforms.

Senator Tinubu was accompanied on the visit by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; the 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.