The Nigerian Government is seeking closer cooperation with Saudi Arabia to reform the Almajiri education system and tackle the growing number of out-of-school children across Nigeria.
The call was made by the wife of the president, Oluremi Tinubu, during a meeting with the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Mohammed Al-Balawi, at the State House in Abuja.
Mrs. Tinubu said strengthening education for Almajiri and other vulnerable children is critical to addressing insecurity, stressing that millions of children remain without access to formal learning. She proposed a model that combines Islamic education with Western schooling and vocational training, saying such an approach would preserve religious values while equipping children with skills for the future.
The First Lady noted that Nigeria and Saudi Arabia share deep religious and cultural ties, expressing optimism that both countries could partner to improve educational opportunities for children in the Almajiri system.
In his remarks, Ambassador Al-Balawi described relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia as strong and longstanding, adding that both nations share common goals of expanding cooperation and promoting economic growth.
He said his engagements with Nigerian government officials since assuming office had strengthened his confidence in the prospects for deeper bilateral relations.
