LAGOS, NIGERIA – Lagos State has officially launched a comprehensive statewide campaign to address the educational crisis affecting thousands of out-of-school children across Nigeria, marking a significant step in the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE) advocacy efforts.
The launch ceremony, centred around the theme “Revitalisation of the Out-of-School Children’s Initiative,” took place at the prestigious Palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III, the Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom, who graciously hosted the event as Special Guest of Honour.
During the ceremony, key officials were present, including Chief Ayuba Elegushi representing HRM Oba Saheed Elegushi, campaign Chairman Luqman Balogun of the Lagos State Advocacy Team, NCAOOSCE Executive Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sani Idris, Special Adviser to the Education Minister Dr. Balarabe Shehu-Kakale, and Director of Grant Mobilisation Prof. Rukayat Tukur.
The campaign chairman stressed that this initiative transcends typical government programs, representing instead a nationwide movement dedicated to restoring dignity, opportunity, and social inclusion for every Nigerian child currently denied access to formal education.
Officials praised His Royal Majesty for his ongoing educational contributions throughout Lagos State, highlighting his scholarship programs, infrastructure development support, menstrual hygiene projects, and the founding of the Centre for Lagos Studies at Lagos State University.
This educational drive supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reinforces the six strategic education priorities established by the Federal Ministry of Education under Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON. Lagos joins seven other states leading this renewed national educational push.
The Lagos campaign will reach all 245 wards spanning the state’s three senatorial districts, actively involving traditional leaders, religious organisations, market associations, youth groups, and civil society organisations. The initiative plans to recruit 1,225 local volunteers who will champion the Commission’s flagship National Adopt an Out-of-School Child (N-OOSC) program within their communities.
The advocacy campaign targets several critical areas:
- Eliminating street begging and child exploitation
- Securing child’s identity through proper birth registration
- Creating safe, inclusive, and dignified educational environments
- Stopping abuse that masquerades as discipline
- Empowering communities to take ownership of their children’s educational futures
Campaign organisers emphasised that their efforts do not oppose religious or traditional practices, but rather focus on integration, dignity, and providing equal opportunities for all children.
The ceremony concluded with an urgent appeal to all stakeholders—including government bodies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, educators, and the general public—to join forces in ensuring comprehensive educational access for every child.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
