Ikate Kingdom, Lagos | [Current Date]
In a bold move to address Nigeria’s escalating out-of-school children epidemic, the Lagos State Advocacy Team of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE) has inaugurated a comprehensive advocacy campaign, kicking off at the palace of Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom. The initiative, themed “Revitalization of the Out-of-School Children’s Initiative,” marks a critical step in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and aligns with the Federal Ministry of Education’s strategic priorities under Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa’s leadership.
The campaign, described by organizers as a national movement rather than a conventional government program, seeks to restore dignity and educational access to marginalized children across Lagos’ 245 political wards. At the launch ceremony, advocacy leaders emphasized the non-partisan nature of the initiative, stating: “This transcends religion and tradition—it’s about fundamental human dignity and ensuring every Nigerian child has a fair shot at education.” The Commission specially recognized Oba Elegushi’s longstanding commitment to educational advancement, evidenced by his scholarship programs, school infrastructure projects, and establishment of Lagos State University’s Centre for Lagos Studies.
As one of eight pilot states driving this national effort, Lagos will deploy 1,225 community volunteers to implement the National Adopt an Out-of-School Child (N-OOSC) program, targeting key challenges including street begging, lack of birth registration, and abusive disciplinary practices. The multi-pronged strategy will engage traditional institutions, religious bodies, market associations, and civil society groups to create safe, inclusive learning environments while empowering communities to take ownership of children’s educational welfare.
The launch culminated with a rallying cry for collective action, urging governments, traditional rulers, educators, and citizens to unite in ensuring no child is left behind. With Lagos’ vibrant civil society and influential traditional institutions now mobilized, this campaign could become a model for tackling Nigeria’s 20 million out-of-school children crisis—one community at a time.
Media Contact:
Lagos State Advocacy Team Secretariat
OOSCLagosadvocacy@gmail.com | +234 806 974 985
