The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Funsho Doherty, has promised to make public education completely free across Lagos State if elected in the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking on Sunday evening, November 8, 2026, during the 2027 Lagos State Governorship Debate, jointly organized by Channels Television, TVC News, The Punch, Vanguard, and The Cable, Doherty outlined his policy roadmap aimed at putting human welfare at the center of governance.
Addressing audience members and voters, Doherty stated that his administration would prioritize equipping Lagosians with education and practical skills to lift families out of poverty. He emphasized that current public education policies burden families with hidden costs.
”Our policies are aimed at capacitating the people, giving them skills, ensuring that there is no child born in Lagos who does not get an education because their parents cannot afford it. We have said we will make education truly free, not nominally free. Truly free, so people will not pay exam fees, they will not be asked to come and pay taxes at a point when they have to write their exams,” Doherty stated.
Elaborating on his reform agenda, Doherty pledged to dismantle financial barriers in the educational sector by completely eliminating examination fees and any mandatory tax clearance checks required for students writing final assessments.
To further enhance student welfare and boost learning outcomes, the NDC candidate announced plans to introduce a state-wide school feeding program that will guarantee one affordable, nutritious meal every day for pupils in public primary and secondary schools.
The educational package is also expected to feature free public transportation services for school-bound children across the metropolis to ensure safe and reliable access to classrooms.
These educational initiatives represent key pillars of Doherty’s broader 34-point commitment plan designed to overhaul public administration in Lagos State.
His overarching blueprint incorporates aggressive social welfare targets, including the delivery of 150,000 affordable housing units backed by government guarantees, expanded access to basic healthcare services, and structured financial support for small businesses.
Doherty argued that past state administrations consistently favored elite projects while neglecting foundational human development, promising that an NDC victory in 2027 would restore equitable opportunities to all Lagos residents.
