In a remarkable stride toward advancing education access for Nigeria’s underserved youth, Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and the esteemed Iyaloja-General, has been appointed as the Ambassador for the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education. The announcement, shared on The Punch Newspaper’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, has sparked nationwide interest in this crucial new role.
As Ambassador, Tinubu-Ojo will be at the forefront of efforts to address the alarming rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria, with a particular focus on the Almajiri system in Northern Nigeria. The Almajiri system, a traditional Qur’anic education model, often faces challenges that result in young boys being left without formal education, pushing them into street begging for survival. With nearly 10 million Nigerian children reportedly out of school, this role represents a significant commitment from both the government and Tinubu-Ojo to overhaul the system and bring educational reforms to marginalized communities.
Tinubu-Ojo, known for her leadership as the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, brings a wealth of experience in advocacy and community engagement to her new position. She is expected to collaborate closely with government agencies, educational stakeholders, and non-governmental organizations to establish programs that provide access to education, vocational training, and support services for out-of-school children. Her appointment signals a renewed dedication to tackling one of Nigeria’s most pressing social challenges.
In a statement following her appointment, Tinubu-Ojo expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity and a strong commitment to creating impactful change: “This mission goes beyond titles; it is about securing a future for every Nigerian child. Education is not a privilege but a right, and together, we can build pathways for children who have been left behind.”
The initiative has garnered both praise and expectations from various sectors. Advocates for education reform have lauded this appointment, emphasizing the potential to transform lives and uplift communities through structured support and access to quality education. However, some voices urge accountability and sustained action, noting that past efforts have often fallen short.
As Tinubu-Ojo steps into this ambassadorial role, all eyes are on the ambitious roadmap she will craft alongside the National Commission. With her leadership, the government hopes to not only reduce the number of out-of-school children but to reimagine the Almajiri education system as one that empowers rather than limits. This appointment could mark the beginning of a transformative journey for Nigeria’s education landscape, especially for its most vulnerable youth.
PIONEER NEWS 