Lagos Targets Out-of-School Crisis with $25M Fund and New Executive Order

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is shifting the state’s educational focus from simple enrollment to measurable learning outcomes. Speaking at the dual launch of the Lagos Education Access Fund (LEAF) and the inauguration of the new LASUBEB board, the Governor made it clear that “business as usual” is over for school-aged children roaming the streets.

The “No-Roaming” Mandate

To ensure children remain in classrooms, Sanwo-Olu announced a forthcoming Executive Order. Key details include:

• Restricted Hours: No school-age child is permitted on the streets between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. without a valid reason.

• Accountability: The order aims to hold parents, communities, and institutions responsible for regular attendance.

• Enforcement: The Governor emphasized “putting our money where our mouth is” to ensure the mandate is backed by action.

The $25 Million “LEAF” Initiative

Partnering with the Education Outcomes Fund, the state is deploying a massive financial package aimed at two primary groups:

Beyond Enrollment: A Focus on Quality

The Governor noted that while the previous Project Zero successfully brought 36,000 children back to school since 2021, the new goal is retention and results.

“Simply enrolling children in school is not enough unless it translates into improved literacy, numeracy, and consistent retention,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

The LEAF program represents a transition toward outcomes-based financing, ensuring that every dollar spent results in measurable academic success for the youth of Lagos.