Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has appealed to Saudi Arabia to collaborate with Nigeria in reforming the Almajiri education system and addressing the challenge of millions of out-of-school children.
Speaking at the State House in Abuja during a meeting with Saudi Ambassador Yousef Mohammed Al-Balawi, Mrs Tinubu warned that failure to provide formal education for these vulnerable groups posed a direct threat to national security.
“My heart goes out to the Almajiri children up North. I believe they need better care. Most of the insecurity challenges in the nation, if those particular group of children are not taken care of, I don’t know what might happen,” she said.
She explained that the proposed partnership would integrate Islamic Arabic teachings with formal Western education, creating a model that preserves cultural identity while equipping children with modern skills.
The First Lady stressed that Saudi Arabia, given its religious and cultural ties with Nigeria, was a natural partner for the initiative.
Ambassador Al-Balawi welcomed the proposal, noting the strong historical and cultural bonds between the two nations and expressing optimism about deepening cooperation.
The Almajiri system, rooted in centuries of Islamic scholarship, has in recent decades left millions of children without access to formal education or healthcare.
Estimates suggest between eight and thirteen million children are affected, with many linked to recruitment pipelines for extremist groups.
Mrs Tinubu said reforming the system was critical to securing Nigeria’s future, while the ambassador pledged continued engagement with Nigerian leaders to strengthen bilateral relations.
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