Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, has convinced the Qatar Foundation to support efforts to alleviate the nation’s escalating out-of-school youth problem.
Mrs. Tinubu met with Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned, the founder and chairperson of the Qatar Foundation, to discuss ways to support the Federal Government’s efforts to overhaul the education system for Almajiri and out-of-school children.
Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, revealed this in a statement on Monday.
Nigeria has more than 15 million out-of-school children, the greatest number in the world, according to the First Lady, who also stated that the government is putting into practice a revolutionary concept that combines formal and Islamic education.
In addition to providing boarding facilities for students and housing for imams and carers, these schools will house and care for the youngsters in a secure learning environment that includes a mosque for worship and skill development.
The First Lady stated, “This all-encompassing strategy will enable children to receive both formal and Islamic education without being exploited, while providing them with life skills to build their lives and make significant contributions to society.”
“Given the magnitude of this challenge and the competing demands on our national resources, Nigeria cannot achieve this alone,” she said, highlighting the need for international cooperation to address the issue.
“Your Highness exemplifies the kind of visionary partners who can assist us in realising this dream, and we need strategic partners.”
Sheikha Moza’s influence through the Qatar Foundation, which created the Qatar Education City, which is home to over 40 schools, including universities and the Qatar National Library, was praised by Tinubu’s wife.
“I am pleased to hear that you have surpassed the goal of getting 10 million underprivileged children enrolled in school.
The First Lady remarked, “Seeing you accomplish all these wonderful things has strengthened our belief that change is achievable.”
In response, Sheikha Moza promised that the Foundation will actively support Nigeria’s plan, working with the Federal Ministry of Education and helping to train educators and school officials to ensure its execution.
Yousif Al Na’am, the CEO of the Qatar Foundation, welcomed Mrs Tinubu on her earlier tour of the organization’s offices.
41 Nigerians have graduated from Mohammed bin Khalifa University, she was also told.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; and Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education, accompanied the First Lady on the visit.
