- Oluremi Tinubu urged Saudi Arabia to support Almajiri education reforms
- She warned that neglecting out-of-school children could affect security
- Nigeria and Saudi Arabia discussed strengthening cooperation on education
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has appealed to Saudi Arabia to support the Federal Government’s efforts to reform the education system for Almajiri and other out-of-school children across the country.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that she warned that leaving millions of children without access to formal education could worsen security challenges and pose a threat to Nigeria’s future.
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The First Lady made the call on Thursday during a meeting with the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Mohammed Al-Balawi, at the State House in Abuja.
According to a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, Tinubu proposed a partnership that would integrate Islamic Arabic teachings with formal education and vocational training to provide better opportunities for children in the Almajiri system.
Tinubu said she was particularly concerned about the condition of vulnerable children in northern Nigeria and stressed the need to provide them with proper care and education.
“I work with women and vulnerable children in society. My heart goes out to the Almajiri children up North. I believe they need better care,” she said.
The First Lady noted that addressing the educational needs of these children would contribute to national security, adding that neglecting them could create further challenges for the country.
She expressed confidence that Saudi Arabia, given its historical relationship with Nigeria and shared cultural ties, would be a suitable partner in developing a sustainable solution for Almajiri education.
The Saudi ambassador, Al-Balawi, described the relationship between both countries as strong, highlighting their shared religious and cultural connections.
He said Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have opportunities to deepen cooperation, particularly in areas that can strengthen their economies and improve bilateral relations.
The ambassador, who was accompanied by the Chief of Staff at the Saudi Embassy, Mohammed Bukar, said his engagements with Nigerian officials had been positive since his arrival in the country.
The Almajiri system, which traditionally focused on Islamic learning, has over the years faced challenges due to the collapse of community support structures, leaving many children without access to basic education, healthcare, and other essential services.
The situation has contributed to Nigeria’s high number of out-of-school children, with concerns that vulnerable youths may be exposed to criminal networks and extremist groups.
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