Lagos committed to reducing out-of-school children, says Sanwo-Olu

By Adeola Ogunrinde –

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the Project Zero initiative, aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children and ensuring free, equitable, and innovative education in Lagos State.

Speaking at the 27th Quarterly Meeting of UBEC Management with Executive Chairmen of SUBEB across the 36 states and the FCT, Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, urged stakeholders to deliberate and take decisive action on how to address the challenge of over 20 million out-of-school children nationwide.

Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajia Aisha Garba, said the Commission’s programmes align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in strengthening policy delivery and improving learning outcomes across the country.

In his welcome remarks, the Executive Chairman of Lagos SUBEB, Mr. Hakeem Shittu, highlighted the significant progress made in basic education under the current administration, citing infrastructural renewal, digital learning initiatives, and improved teachers’ welfare.

The Dean and Chairman, Forum of SUBEB Chairmen in Nigeria, Mr. Shehu Adaramaja, described the meeting’s theme — Bridging the Gap Between Planning and Performance Towards Achieving Quality Basic Education — as timely and commended the establishment of the Basic Education Efficiency Framework (BEEF) to track progress nationwide.

Sanwo-Olu assured that Lagos will continue to lead in innovative education policies, stressing that collaboration among all tiers of government and stakeholders remains vital to addressing the out-of-school children crisis.