Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has asked Saudi Arabia to work with Nigeria on reforming Almajiri education and supporting out-of-school children. Her appeal centers on reshaping a long-debated system by linking Islamic learning with Western-style education.
According to the report, Tinubu said Nigeria cannot ignore the condition of children outside the formal school system. She warned that leaving the issue unresolved could deepen wider social problems, including insecurity, making education reform a national priority rather than a narrow policy discussion.
The proposed approach points to a blended model that keeps religious instruction while expanding access to broader classroom learning. That framework is aimed at giving Almajiri children stronger educational opportunities and a better path into mainstream society.
Her call for Saudi Arabia’s partnership also highlights the international dimension of the effort. By seeking support from a country with deep ties to Islamic education, Tinubu is signaling that Nigeria wants outside cooperation as it looks for practical ways to modernize Almajiri schooling and reduce the number of children left out of formal education.
