The Lagos State Government has announced plans to prohibit school-age children from roaming the streets during official school hours as part of efforts to curb truancy, child labour and the growing number of out-of-school children.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed the plan on Friday, March 13, 2026, during the launch of the Lagos Education Access Fund and the inauguration of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board in Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu said the state would introduce an executive order to enforce the directive, stressing that children who should ordinarily be in school would no longer be permitted to loiter on roads, markets and other public spaces during learning hours.
According to the governor, the restriction will apply between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the period when schools across the state are typically in session.
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He said the measure is intended to ensure that children remain in classrooms and are not engaged in activities such as street trading or hawking during school hours.
Under the proposed framework, school-age children found on the streets without legitimate reasons during the period may be questioned by relevant authorities, while parents or guardians could face sanctions where negligence is established.
The announcement came as the state unveiled a $25 million outcomes-based education fund aimed at improving school enrolment, retention and learning outcomes for children across Lagos.
Officials said the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen access to education and address the challenge of out-of-school children in the state.
Authorities are expected to roll out enforcement guidelines and public sensitization campaigns targeting parents, communities and school authorities before the directive takes full effect.