The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that every school-age child in the state has access to free and quality basic education, as it scales up the implementation of its Project Zero campaign targeted at reducing the number of out-of-school children.
The initiative, which gathered key education stakeholders including School-Based Management Committees, Mothers’ Associations, Heads of Sections and Project Zero Desk Officers, aims to strengthen collaboration and drive effective strategies that will keep children in school.
Speaking during the 2025 Project Zero sensitisation programme held on Tuesday at the LASUBEB Multi-Purpose Hall, the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), Dr. Hakeem Shittu, said the state was determined to curb the rising incidence of school-age children dropping out across communities in Lagos.
He disclosed that the programme, introduced in response to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, has so far identified, enrolled and reintegrated more than 32,000 out-of-school children. He added that the state has also provided uniforms, school bags, sandals and exercise books to support learners, while over 470 parents have benefited from vocational training through a partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Dr. Shittu noted that the renewed focus on Project Zero aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive and quality education, as well as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda that prioritises education and technology development.
During the event, the Project Zero Desk Officer, Omobolanle Shobowale, outlined the implementation procedures for identifying and monitoring beneficiaries, stressing the need for strong collaboration between School-Based Management Committees, headteachers and parents to ensure children remain in school and complete their education.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Hope Builders Foundation, Mrs. Folayimika Adu, commended the state government for sustaining the programme and described basic education as a shared responsibility that requires continuous support from all stakeholders to achieve lasting results.
