The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has called for more assistance to give Almajiri and Out-of-school children formal education.
The First Lady pointed out that for the Almajiri specifically, it would combine both Arabic teachings with Western education.
She made the call while welcoming the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Amb. Yousef Mohammed Al-Balawi to the State House Abuja.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu said the collaboration would help integrate Islamic teachings with formal Western education, aimed at protecting the future of these groups of children.
The First Lady also called for a strategic partnership between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia in overhauling the Almajiri education.
”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.
”This is because most of the insecurity challenges in the nation, if those particular groups 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,” she said.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu stated her understanding about both countries is that they have had good bilateral relations over the years, and appreciated the Ambassador for the visit.
Ambassador Yousef Mohammed Al-Balawi in his remarks explained that he has spent five months in Nigeria.
He expressed satisfaction with how the government and its officials have received him.
He said he met with some members of the Federal Executive Council adding that their meeting would ultimately reflect positively on the growth of both nations.
The Ambassador said he is looking forward to stronger ties between both nations such that would reflect positively on the economic growth of both.
”As you are aware, our countries have strong relationships, we both share historical relationships, our nations share a lot of things, religion, culture and potential to improve our relationship to get back in shape.
”Our nations have strong common ambitions to improve our economy,” he said.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria was accompanied on the visit to the First Lady of Nigeria by the Chief of Staff at the Embassy, Mohammed Bukar.
