First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Seeks Saudi Arabia's Support to Reform Almajiri Education, Reduce Out-of-School Children
ABUJA – Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to partner with Nigeria in addressing the growing challenge of out-of-school children, particularly the Almajiri population, through an education model that combines Islamic and Western learning.
Speaking while receiving the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Yousef Mohammed Al-Balawi, at the State House in Abuja, Senator Tinubu said such a collaboration would help secure the future of millions of vulnerable children by providing them with access to quality formal education alongside Arabic studies.
The First Lady said the proposed partnership would strengthen efforts to reform the Almajiri education system and ensure that children, especially in Northern Nigeria, receive adequate care and educational opportunities.
According to her, the welfare of women and vulnerable children remains a priority, stressing that the large number of Almajiri children deserves urgent attention.
"My heart goes out to the Almajiri children in the North. I believe they need better care," she said.
Senator Tinubu warned that failing to address the educational needs of the children could have long-term implications for national security, noting that providing them with formal education would contribute significantly to Nigeria's future stability.
"I believe we can still start to give them formal education. If we are able to do that, the future of Nigeria will be well secured," she added.
The First Lady also commended the longstanding bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia and expressed appreciation to Ambassador Al-Balawi for the visit.
In his remarks, Ambassador Al-Balawi, who said he has spent five months in Nigeria, expressed satisfaction with the warm reception he has received from the Nigerian government and its officials.
He disclosed that he had held meetings with members of the Federal Executive Council and expressed optimism that the engagements would further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
The envoy noted that Nigeria and Saudi Arabia share deep historical, religious and cultural ties, adding that both nations also have significant economic potential that can be harnessed through stronger collaboration.
"As you are aware, our countries have a strong relationship. We share history, religion, culture and the potential to improve our relationship. Our nations also have common ambitions to strengthen our economies," he said.
Ambassador Al-Balawi was accompanied on the visit by the Chief of Staff at the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Nigeria, Mohammed Bukar.
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