First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called on Saudi Arabia to partner with Nigeria in reforming the Almajiri education system and expanding access to education for out-of-school children.
She warned that leaving millions of children without formal education could worsen the country’s security challenges.
The First Lady made the appeal on Thursday while receiving Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Mohammed Al-Balawi, at the State House in Abuja. Her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, disclosed details of the meeting in a statement.
First Lady proposes education partnership
According to Kukoyi, Mrs Tinubu said the proposed partnership would combine Islamic Arabic education with formal Western education.
She explained that the model would preserve the religious identity of Almajiri pupils while equipping them with formal education and practical skills.
“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 stressed that educating Almajiri and out-of-school children would help secure Nigeria’s future.
“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.
Security concerns
Mrs Tinubu linked the growing number of out-of-school children to the country’s security concerns.
She said neglecting the children could create long-term challenges for Nigeria.
The First Lady also expressed confidence that Saudi Arabia would be a strong partner because of the long-standing religious and cultural ties between both countries.
According to her, collaboration between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia would strengthen efforts to integrate Islamic teachings with formal education.
Saudi ambassador welcomes stronger ties
Ambassador Al-Balawi said he had spent five months in Nigeria and appreciated the warm reception he had received from government officials.
He described Nigeria and Saudi Arabia as countries with deep religious, cultural and historical ties.
“Our countries have a strong relationship. Our nations share religion, culture and the potential to improve our relationship,” he said.
The ambassador also expressed optimism about expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.
He added that his engagements with members of the Federal Executive Council would strengthen bilateral relations and benefit both nations.
The Saudi envoy attended the meeting with the embassy’s Chief of Staff, Mohammed Bukar.
Almajiri system faces growing challenges
The Almajiri system has existed in Northern Nigeria for centuries as a traditional model of Islamic education.
Under the system, children leave their families to study under Islamic teachers, commonly known as mallams.
Over the years, however, the traditional community support that sustained the system declined. As a result, many Almajiri children now lack access to formal education, healthcare and adequate welfare.
Estimates put the number of Almajiri children in Nigeria at between eight and 13 million, making the country home to one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children.
Security experts have also linked the growing number of out-of-school children to recruitment by Boko Haram, bandit groups and other criminal organisations.
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