Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to ensuring that no child of school age is denied access to free and quality basic education through its Project Zero Initiative, a flagship programme aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children across the state.
The initiative brought together key stakeholders including members of the School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), Mothers’ Associations, Heads of Sections, and Project Zero Desk Officers at a sensitization event. The meeting, titled “Y2025 Project Zero Sensitization for Stakeholders on Implementation Strategies and Procedures,” was held at the LASUBEB Multi-Purpose Hall on Tuesday, 28th October, 2025.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), Dr. Hakeem Shittu, explained that the programme is designed to reduce the rising number of out-of-school children and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders to guarantee sustained access to basic education. He said, “Project Zero remains one of our strongest tools in ensuring that every child in Lagos State has the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment.”
Dr. Shittu revealed that since its launch after the COVID-19 pandemic, Project Zero has identified, enrolled, and reintegrated more than 32,000 out-of-school children across the state. He added that the initiative provides free school uniforms, bags, sandals, and notebooks to learners, while about 470 parents have benefited from vocational training in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA).
He emphasized that the Zero Tolerance to Out-of-School Children Initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education and supports the THEMES+ Agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, which promotes education and technology for a Greater Lagos.
The Project Zero Desk Officer, Miss Omobolanle Shobowale, presented strategies for identifying, tracking, and monitoring re-enrolled children. She called on School-Based Management Committees to work closely with Headteachers and parents to ensure children remain in school until completion.
Executive Director of Hope Builders Foundation, Mrs. Folayimika Adu, praised the government for sustaining the initiative, describing basic education as “a shared responsibility that requires continuous collaboration among all stakeholders.”