Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has revealed that his administration is weighing the introduction of an executive order aimed at ensuring that school-age children remain in classrooms during official learning hours.
The proposed directive is part of renewed efforts to reduce truancy, strengthen discipline in the education system, and address the persistent challenge of children who are not enrolled in school.
The announcement was made during a high-profile event marking the launch of a major education financing programme and the inauguration of a new state education board.
The governor explained that the initiative reflects a broader commitment to improving access to quality learning and ensuring that public resources produce measurable results.
Under the proposed framework, children of school-going age would be expected to stay in school between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., except in clearly justified circumstances.
The administration believes that stronger enforcement mechanisms will discourage absenteeism and encourage greater responsibility among parents and guardians.
Authorities say the goal is not punishment, but accountability and improved outcomes for learners.
Education stakeholders argue that consistent attendance is essential for academic success, particularly in foundational subjects such as literacy and numeracy.
By keeping children engaged in structured learning environments, the government hopes to improve long-term performance and reduce dropout rates.
Officials also emphasized that collaboration between communities, schools, and families will be critical to the success of the policy.
In addition to the proposed executive order, the government introduced a $25 million outcomes-based financing initiative designed to expand educational opportunities and improve learning results.
The programme, developed in partnership with international development organizations, will support more than 200,000 children across the state.
This model links funding to performance indicators, ensuring that investments translate into real improvements in student achievement.
A major component of the initiative focuses on identifying and enrolling out-of-school children into formal education.
Through targeted outreach campaigns and community engagement strategies, thousands of children who are currently outside the school system are expected to gain access to classrooms.
The programme also aims to remove barriers such as financial constraints, lack of awareness, and social challenges that prevent children from attending school regularly.
Beyond enrolment, the reform agenda places strong emphasis on learning quality. About 150,000 pupils already in school will benefit from interventions designed to strengthen foundational skills.
These include programmes focused on reading comprehension, writing ability, and basic mathematics.
By reinforcing core competencies, the government aims to ensure that attendance leads to tangible educational progress.
Officials highlighted that this new initiative builds upon earlier interventions introduced several years ago to combat the issue of out-of-school children.
Those earlier efforts helped identify and return tens of thousands of children to classrooms.
The current strategy expands that foundation by introducing structured financing mechanisms and enhanced monitoring systems to sustain progress over time.
Education experts note that linking funding to outcomes represents a shift from traditional input-based spending models.
Rather than focusing solely on infrastructure or materials, the new approach prioritizes measurable achievements such as improved test scores, increased retention rates, and higher literacy levels.
Supporters believe this model will encourage transparency, efficiency, and innovation within the education sector.
Community leaders have expressed optimism that the combined strategy of enforcement and investment will strengthen the education system.
They stress that improving attendance alone is not sufficient; schools must also provide engaging instruction and supportive learning environments.
When children are motivated and properly guided, the likelihood of academic success increases significantly.
The administration reaffirmed that the reforms are part of a long-term vision to build human capital and prepare young people for future opportunities.
By integrating policy enforcement with targeted funding, the government hopes to create a sustainable framework that benefits current and future generations.
Public discussions around the proposal continue, with education advocates encouraging broad stakeholder engagement before final implementation.
Many believe that consistent monitoring, community awareness campaigns, and collaboration with parents will be essential to achieving lasting impact.
The emphasis remains on ensuring that every child has access to education and the opportunity to thrive.
Overall, the combined measures represent a comprehensive strategy to strengthen school attendance, improve learning outcomes, and promote accountability within the education system.
Through coordinated action and sustained commitment, policymakers aim to create an environment where children remain in school, teachers are supported, and investments produce meaningful results for society.
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