The Qatar Foundation has assured Nigeria of its support in tackling the country’s alarming out-of-school children crisis, following a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Foundation’s Founder and Chairperson, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned.
During the meeting in Doha, Senator Tinubu sought the Foundation’s partnership to address the plight of more than 15 million out-of-school children in Nigeria — the highest number globally. She emphasized that the Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Education, is embarking on a transformative Almajiri Education School System that integrates both Islamic and formal education.
“These schools will host and care for children in a safe learning environment, complete with a mosque for worship, skills acquisition centers, boarding facilities, and residences for Imams and caregivers,” the First Lady said. “This holistic model aims to protect children from exploitation while equipping them with life skills to build meaningful futures.”
Senator Tinubu highlighted the need for global partnerships to achieve this vision, noting that the scale of the challenge required international collaboration. “Given the magnitude of this challenge and the competing demands on our national resources, Nigeria cannot achieve this alone,” she said. “Your Highness represents precisely the kind of visionary partners who can help us make this dream a reality.”
She praised Sheikha Moza for her leadership in promoting education through the Qatar Foundation, which has established the renowned Qatar Education City, home to over 40 schools and universities, as well as the Qatar National Library.
“I am proud to learn of your success in enrolling over 10 million marginalized children in school globally,” Senator Tinubu added. “Watching you do all these great works has reinforced our conviction that change is possible, and we believe that your support could make a lasting difference in Nigeria.”
In her response, Sheikha Moza pledged to actively support Nigeria’s Almajiri and out-of-school children education initiatives. She assured that the Qatar Foundation would collaborate with Nigeria’s Ministry of Education, particularly in training teachers and handlers to ensure quality education 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. She was also informed that 41 Nigerians have graduated from the Mohammed bin Khalifa University, one of the institutions supported by the Foundation.
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 Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education, Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris
