Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to collaborate with Nigeria in tackling the pressing issue of Almajiri and out-of-school children. She emphasized that expanding access to formal education for these vulnerable groups is vital to safeguarding the nation’s future.
She said such collaboration should focus on integrating Islamic teachings with Western education to ensure that Almajiri children receive quality formal education without losing their religious foundation.
Mrs Tinubu made the appeal on Thursday while receiving the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Amb. Yousef Mohammed Al-Balawi, at the State House, Abuja.
The First Lady, who said her office is committed to improving the welfare of women and vulnerable children, stressed that the Almajiri system requires urgent reforms through strategic partnerships capable of combining Arabic education with formal schooling.
In a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said “I work with the women and vulnerable children in the society. My heart goes out to the Almajiri children up North. I believe they need better care”.
She warned that neglecting the children could worsen the country’s security challenges, noting that investing in their education would help secure Nigeria’s future. NigerianBusiness Coverage
“This is because most of the insecurity challenges in the nation, if that particular group of children are not taken care of, I don’t know what might happen.
“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”, the First Lady added. NigerianBusiness Coverage
Mrs Tinubu also commended the long-standing bilateral relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia and expressed appreciation to the Saudi envoy for the visit, expressing optimism that closer collaboration would benefit both countries.
Responding, Ambassador Al-Balawi said he had spent five months in Nigeria and had been impressed by the warm reception accorded him by the government and its officials.
He disclosed that he had already met with some members of the Federal Executive Council, expressing confidence that ongoing engagements would further strengthen relations between the two countries.
The envoy said Nigeria and Saudi Arabia share deep historical, religious and cultural ties, as well as common aspirations for economic growth.
“As you are aware, our countries have a strong relationship. We both share a historical relationship. Our nations share a lot of things—religion, culture, and the potential to improve our relationship and get back in shape.
“Our nations have strong common ambitions to improve our economy”, he said.
The Saudi Ambassador was accompanied on the visit by the Chief of Staff at the Saudi Embassy in Nigeria, Mohammed Bukar.
