Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has unveiled the Lagos Education Access Fund (LEAF), a $25 million initiative aimed at improving access to quality basic education and learning outcomes.
The fund targets enrolling up to 50,000 out-of-school children aged six to 14 while strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy for 150,000 pupils already in public schools.
Implemented through LSUBEB in partnership with the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) and development partners, LEAF builds on the gains of Project Zero, which reintegrated over 36,000 out-of-school children since 2021.
The initiative aligns with the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda, focusing on education and technology to foster a knowledge-driven society.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised community involvement, noting that over 360 parents and guardians have been trained in vocational skills to support children’s education.
Development partners including Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), Federal Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs contributed to the programme, with CIFF pledging $10 million in support.
The fund adopts a results-based financing model, leveraging data-driven monitoring to ensure children remain in school and achieve measurable learning outcomes.
