In Nigeria, the World Bank has said it will support the Lagos State government with a grant of up to $620 million for school infrastructure projects and other critical areas. This is to encourage out of school children to get back to the classroom.

World Bank’s Senior Director for Education Global Practice, Jaime Saavedra Chanduvi (photo, 2^nd right), revealed this during an official visit to the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, last weekend. According to him, the assistance was inspired by the implementation of sustainable policies by the government, which have resulted in improved standard of education in the state.

“We know Lagos state government is doing well in its technical and vocational education, but a lot still need to be done because of your large population especially on the out of schools children roaming about and hawking during school hours. It is an area in which your government and of course Federal government must pay particular attention to in the overall interest of peace and stability in your country. World Bank has set aside the sum of $620 million as grants and we will ensure that Lagos State government and other northern state governments take the advantage of this initiative to tackle this menace,” he said.

Idiat Oluranti Adebule, the deputy governor of Lagos State, while lauding the assistance revealed that the state executive council recently approved $28.9 million to develop infrastructure in government schools.

Anita Fatunji