The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu, has met with the founder of the Qatar Foundation, Sheika Moza Bint Nasser Al-Misssned.
The visit, according to the First Lady, was to get the Foundation’s support and interventions over the more than 15 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, the largest number globally.
In a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, Senator Tinubu said the Nigerian Government, through the Ministry of Education, is now ready to embark on a transformative model of Almajiri Education Schools 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 residence for Imams and care givers.
“This holistic approach will allow children to acquire both Formal and Islamic education free from exploitation, while equipping them with life skills that empowers them to build their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
“However, given the magnitude of this challenge and the competing demands on our national resources, Nigeria cannot achieve this alone, we need strategic partners, and Your Highness represents precisely the kind of visionary partners who can help us make this dream a reality,” she stated.
She commended Sheika Moza for her various interventions, especially in the education sector through the Foundation that built the Qaatar Education City with over 40 schools, including Universities and the Quatar National Library.
“I am proud to learn of your achievements in surpassing the target of enrolling 10 million marginalised children into school, and all that you continue to do for humanity around the world.
“Watching you do all these great works has reinforced our conviction that change is possible and I believe reaching out to your esteemed organization could provide the support we urgently need,” she added.
In her response, chairman of the Qatar Foundation, Sheika Moza Bint Nasser Al-Missned, promised to actively support the Almajiri and Out-Of-School Children Education in Nigeria.
She stated that the foundation will work with the Ministry of Education in this regard and also with the training of the handlers and teachers in the schools when established to ensure the best outcomes.
Earlier, Senator Tinubu had visited the headquarters of the Qatar Foundation where she was conducted round by the CEO of the Foundation, Yousif Al Na’am and others.
The First Lady was informed that Nigeria has 41 alumni from the Muhammad Khalifa University.
The First Lady was in Qatar with 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.
