Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced the launch of a $25 million Education Access Fund aimed at enrolling about 50,000 out-of-school children into formal education across Lagos.
The initiative is part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to address the challenge of out-of-school children and improve access to quality education. Speaking during the announcement, the governor emphasized that education remains a key priority for his administration, noting that investing in young people is essential for the long-term development of the state.
According to him, the newly introduced fund will focus on identifying children who are currently not attending school and supporting their transition into the formal education system. The programme will also provide learning materials, support services, and other educational resources to ensure that the children remain in school and receive quality instruction.
Sanwo-Olu explained that the initiative is designed to strengthen the state’s basic education system while also addressing social and economic barriers that often prevent children from attending school. Many families struggle with poverty, lack of access to schools, or other challenges that make education difficult for their children. Through the fund, the government aims to remove some of these obstacles and give more children the opportunity to learn.
The governor also noted that the initiative will complement existing educational programmes already introduced by the Lagos State Government. These programmes are focused on improving school infrastructure, training teachers, and enhancing learning outcomes for students in public schools.
Education experts have described the initiative as a significant step toward reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state. By targeting tens of thousands of children who are currently outside the education system, the programme is expected to contribute to improved literacy levels and better educational opportunities for young residents of Lagos.
With this new funding initiative, the Lagos State Government hopes to create a more inclusive education system and ensure that every child in the state has access to the knowledge and skills needed for a better future.