A Bold Move for Children in Lagos
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
What happens when a city refuses to accept that children should be out of school? Lagos has answered that question with the launch of the Lagos Education Access Fund.
Lagos, Nigeria - 16 March, 2026 - On Friday, government officials, development partners, and civil society gathered as the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, officially launched the $25 million Lagos Education Access Fund (LEAF), an outcomes partnership designed to bring out-of-school children back into classrooms and ensure they thrive once there.
“This initiative represents more than a programme for today. It is an investment in the future of our state,” shared Governor Babajide. “A society that invests in the education of its children is a society that secures the future of its existence.”
A Bold State Initiative Anchored in Long-Term Reform
Led by the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) in partnership with the Education Outcomes Fund and a coalition of donors, LEAF is designed to transform basic education over the next three years.
The programme represents a new way of thinking about education in Lagos, moving beyond traditional inputs to focus on measurable results that help children return to school, stay engaged, and build the skills they need to thrive. Over the next three years, LEAF will support approximately 200,000 children aged 6–14, laying the foundation for stronger educational outcomes and opening doors to new opportunities for the next generation.
Every aspect of the programme, from design to partner selection, is shaped around Lagos State priorities to ensure that investments translate into real, lasting impact.
“This fund has been designed specifically for the needs of Lagos,” Siju Akintunde, Director of LASUBEB, and Chris Burmingham, Programme Manager from the Education Outcomes Fund, shared. “Every metric, every outcome, and every design detail reflects Lagos State policy. By working closely with implementing partners, we can respond directly to the needs of children across the state.”
A New Financing for Impact
LEAF is anchored in outcomes-based financing, a model that pays only for real results, not promises. This approach gives implementing partners the flexibility to innovate while remaining accountable for impact.
Reflecting on the significance of the initiative, Dr. Amel Karboul, CEO of the Education Outcomes Fund, noted: “Lagos is not just launching a programme today; it is creating a blueprint for the world. The future of public finance is about delivering real impact.”
The programme is supported by the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), the UBS Optimus Foundation, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, with co-investment provided by the Lagos State Government. All stakeholders are alignedand accountable for results.
Eunice Ogolo, Director, Girl Capital Africa at CIFF, highlighted the shared commitment that underpins the fund: “Tonight is a celebration not only of innovation, but of our collective commitment to giving children in Lagos the futures they deserve.”
Looking Ahead
While the launch marks a major milestone, it is only the beginning. LEAF will track enrolment, engagement, and learning outcomes over the coming years, generating insights to inform future policy and ensure sustainable impact. With this initiative, Lagos is demonstrating what is possible when government, philanthropy, and local expertise converge around a shared mission: every child in Lagos can learn, grow, and thrive to their full potential.
“Meaningful progress in education cannot be achieved by government alone,” Governor Babajide added. “It requires strong partnerships and a collective commitment to the future of our children.”
Comments