By Kayode Olopade
The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to expand access to continuing education across the state with the establishment of additional adult learning centres aimed at promoting inclusive, safe and lifelong education opportunities for residents.
Director of the Lagos State Agency for Mass Education, Mrs. Oluwakemi Kalesanwo, disclosed this on Wednesday during the 2026 Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting on Continuing Education held in Ikeja.
The event, themed “Expanding Reach, Securing Futures: Advancing Safe and Inclusive Access in Continuing Education,” brought together education experts, stakeholders and development partners to deliberate on strategies for widening educational opportunities for adults and out-of-school learners across the state.
Kalesanwo said the agency, established in January 1991, was created to tackle widespread illiteracy and provide educational opportunities for residents who lacked formal education or basic literacy skills.
According to her, the growing population of Lagos and increasing demand for adult education have compelled the government to deepen investment in continuing education through the creation of more learning centres in communities across the state.
She noted that the initiative aligns with the broader vision of the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to ensure that no resident is denied access to education irrespective of gender, social status, race or background.
“The Lagos State Government has remained visionary and deliberate in ensuring that residents acquire literacy skills and educational empowerment necessary for personal growth and socio-economic development,” she said.
Kalesanwo commended stakeholders for their continued support towards the success of mass education programmes, urging them not to relent in efforts aimed at reducing illiteracy and empowering millions of adults through accessible learning opportunities.
She stressed that continuing education remains a critical tool for improving livelihoods, strengthening civic participation and promoting sustainable development in an increasingly knowledge-driven society.
Delivering a lecture titled “Expanding Access and Strengthening Inclusion in Continuing Education Programmes,” Professor Blessing Anyikwa of the University of Lagos applauded the agency for sustaining its annual stakeholders’ platform focused on adult and non-formal education.
Anyikwa observed that many adults were unable to complete formal education due to economic, social and family-related challenges, adding that continuing education programmes have become a vital second chance for individuals seeking literacy, personal advancement and self-development.
She emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, private organisations and community leaders to further expand educational inclusion and reduce the number of out-of-school adults in the state.
Highlights of the engagement included a wellness sensitisation session delivered by Mrs. Yetunde Giwa, alongside goodwill messages and contributions from notable stakeholders within the education sector.
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