Dr. Saheed Ibikunle, Permanent Board Member of Lagos SUBEB, spoke about the concerning issue of out-of-school children at the Commissioning of the Renovated Block of Five Classrooms and Toilets at Methodist Primary School, Igbogbo by Builder Olusesan Daini, Executive Chairman Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA.

According to the data he shared, in 2021 alone, we had 13 million children out of school. And in 2022, that number rose to 20 million.

pupils of school age are out of school, hence the project zero initiatives of the Lagos State Government since 2021 in tackling the menace.

He said Improvement in enrolment and completion rate is the only indices to determine the rate of reduction in number of out of school children.

Dr. Ibikunle emphasized the importance of not only focusing on enrollment and completion but also on providing the necessary infrastructure, whether it is digital or physical.

He mentioned that without proper facilities, the quality of education for these out-of-school children would be affected. That’s why initiatives like the enumeration of blocks of classrooms with toilets by Builder Daini are so important, and he Commended the Chairman for the great work he has been doing on Primary education.

Dr. Saheed Ibikunle highlighted the incredible work being done through the Eko Excel program initiated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. They’re constantly training teachers and using technology to enhance teaching and learning in classrooms.

Dr. Ibikunle also emphasized the importance of community involvement and urged all stakeholders to address the issue of out-of-school children. If we come across any child on the street, in our locality, or community who isn’t attending school, we should report it to the local government authority.