Lagos Governor Cracks Down on Child Endangerment: Streets Off-Limits to School-Age Children During School Hours
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has announced a sweeping plan to keep school-age children safe and in classrooms during school hours, addressing both child protection and education outcomes. At the launch of the Lagos Education Access Fund (LEAF) and the inauguration of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), the governor revealed his intention to sign an Executive Order prohibiting children from roaming the streets between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. unless there is a valid reason for their absence from school.
The initiative reflects a broader child safeguarding approach, recognizing that children outside school hours are at heightened risk of exploitation, accidents, and other harms. LEAF will deploy $25 million in outcomes-based financing to support over 200,000 children across the state, with a dual focus: enrolling more than 50,000 out-of-school children aged 6–14 into the formal education system and improving literacy and numeracy for 150,000 children already in school.
By prioritizing measurable learning outcomes over mere enrollment, the program aims to ensure that children not only attend school but also benefit from quality education that equips them for lifelong success. Sanwo-Olu emphasized that every investment must translate into tangible educational gains, demonstrating the connection between child protection, learning, and social development.
The executive order also seeks to hold parents, communities, and institutions accountable, reinforcing societal responsibility in safeguarding children. Building on previous successes like Project Zero, which tracked and enrolled over 36,000 out-of-school children—the new measures represent a strategic step to prevent neglect, protect children from risks on the streets, and strengthen the educational foundation critical to their well-being and future prospects.
This initiative underscores Lagos State’s commitment to child safety, education, and community accountability, setting a model for integrated child protection and learning interventions.
