Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state, stressing that education remains the bedrock of human development and national advancement.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadir Obafemi Hamzat, made this known on Monday during the 27th Quarterly Meeting of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Management with Executive Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs). The event, themed “Bridging The Gap Between Planning And Performance Towards Achieving Quality Basic Education,” took place at Watercress Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu described the estimated 20 million out-of-school children nationwide as alarming and unacceptable, urging all stakeholders in the education sector to devise sustainable strategies to ensure more children gain access to classrooms.
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According to him, basic education is the foundation of lifelong success, hence every child must be encouraged to attend school. He insisted that preventing children from receiving formal education should be regarded as illegal, while society must demonstrate to youths that schooling is vital for their future.
“Basic education is the foundation of whatever anybody would achieve. Not bringing kids to school must be illegal. We must prove to our youths that education is not a crime,” the governor declared.
The Lagos State government, he noted, remains fully committed to the Project Zero Initiative, a flagship programme designed to drastically reduce the number of out-of-school children while promoting free, inclusive, and innovative learning opportunities for every child. He added that adequate infrastructure remains a key driver of this vision.
Highlighting ongoing reforms, Sanwo-Olu explained that his administration has continued to invest in teachers’ training and professional development, while also providing modern facilities that enhance learning outcomes. He cited the recent commissioning of ultra-modern classroom blocks, integrated vocational training centres, and digital literacy projects under the THEMES Plus Agenda as proof of the government’s resolve.
“Here in Lagos, we have prioritised building world-class educational infrastructure, as evidenced by our recent commissioning of ultra-modern classroom blocks, integrated vocational training, and digital literacy initiatives under our THEMES Plus Agenda. We understand that advancing education means equipping teachers through professional development programs and fostering a learning environment where every child can thrive,” he said.
Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, aligned the Commission’s programmes with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She commended Lagos State for serving as a model in policy implementation, teacher welfare, and the adoption of innovative projects such as digital learning and the Smart School initiative.
Similarly, the Chairman of Lagos SUBEB, Hon. Hakeem Shittu, lauded the state government for prioritising teachers’ welfare, as well as its efforts in school construction, rehabilitation, and digital transformation.
Also lending his voice, the Dean of SUBEB Chairmen and Kwara State SUBEB Chairman, Prof. Sheu Adaramaja, described the meeting’s theme as timely and relevant. He stressed the importance of effective monitoring mechanisms and active stakeholder engagement in strengthening the Universal Basic Education (UBE) scheme.
The quarterly meeting convened SUBEB chairmen from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to share experiences, evaluate progress, and develop new strategies for deepening the impact of the Universal Basic Education programme across Nigeria.
