The demolition of homes and schools in the Lagos communities of Otumara and Baba Ijora has worsened the out-of-school children crisis, directly contradicting the state government's Project Zero initiative. The evictions, carried out in March 2025, have displaced hundreds of families, forcing many children to abandon their education to work or care for younger siblings.
Among the victims is 15-year-old Chinonso Nwibo, who now hawks puff puff during school hours after his home and school were demolished. His mother relocated to the southeast, leaving him to fend for himself in a makeshift shelter. He stated, 'Education will rest for now.' Similarly, Faith Paul, a Basic Three pupil, has not returned to school because her parents prioritize shelter over education.
Impact on Schools and Children
Three public schools—Ebenezer Nursery and Primary School, Banjo Nursery and Primary School, and Ilogbo Junior Secondary School—were demolished, along with several private schools. A newly built 18-classroom block was also destroyed. Many children, like Abdullahi Abdusomod and Amori Akintunde, have dropped out due to financial constraints and displacement.
The African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) report noted that forced evictions increase poverty and disrupt education, contradicting the government's rhetoric of people-centered governance. The report highlighted that the neoliberal agenda of urban development often conflicts with pro-poor planning.
Government Response and Contradictions
Lagos State's Project Zero, launched in 2020, aims to reintegrate out-of-school children. However, data inconsistencies suggest limited progress. While officials claimed 30,000 children were reintegrated by April 2025, a LASUBEB official stated only 17,000 had returned since the program began. The demolished schools had no resettlement plan for displaced pupils.
Experts criticized the demolitions. Deji Akinpelu of Rethinking Cities said, 'Development that pushes children out of school is not progress; it is a setback.' Psychologist Dr. Johnson Ibidapo warned of long-term trauma and increased insecurity. Dr. Olumuyiwa Adegun of ACRC emphasized that demolishing public schools for private real estate development wastes taxpayer money and harms children's futures.
Lack of Accountability
Efforts to obtain comments from Lagos State officials, including the Commissioner for Basic Education, LASUBEB, and LASBCA, were unsuccessful. The land has been sold to Breeze Luxury Homes Limited, which plans to develop Metro View Estate without including schools. The ACRC report concluded that Lagos's political economy prioritizes personal networks over inclusive development.
This report was facilitated by DevReporting in partnership with Pro-Poor Development Media Network and supported by the African Cities Research Consortium.
