Lagos Govt reaffirms commitment to approving qualified private schools
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to approving private schools that meet the required standards for operation. This was highlighted during an intervention workshop organised by the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MB&SE), held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alausa.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, represented by Director of Basic Education Services, Mr. Olufemi Asaolu, said the initiative aims to ensure every child has access to quality education in a safe environment. He encouraged school owners to see compliance not as a hurdle but as a path to sustainable growth and academic excellence.
The workshop, themed “Pathway to Progress: Scaling Up Private Schools for Approval in Lagos State,” was attended by educators, proprietors, and OEQA officials. Speakers underscored the importance of regulatory compliance in school development, safety, and student achievement.
OEQA’s Coordinating Director, Mr. Remi Abdul, represented by Mr. Taofeek Ajibade, announced that the state plans to approve all eligible schools by year-end, provided they meet the necessary requirements. He described the workshop as a testament to the government’s support for private schools in meeting educational standards.
Dr. Suleiman Ogunmuyiwa, Director of Private Education and Special Programmes, stressed the importance of registration for data accuracy, planning, and targeted interventions. He said private schools play a vital role in complementing the state’s education efforts.
Mrs. Kehinde Ogunlana, Head of Approvals at PESP, listed key approval criteria including infrastructure, safety facilities, qualified teachers, libraries, ICT rooms, school policies, statutory records, and tax compliance.
Mrs. Olanrewaju Oniyitan, Executive Director of SEED Care and Support Foundation, pledged to guide unapproved school owners with training, mentorship, and access to financial support to help them meet regulatory standards.
Newly approved school proprietors shared success stories at the event, describing the process as transparent and achievable. They urged aspiring school owners to avoid middlemen and instead focus on fulfilling OEQA’s requirements for the benefit of their schools and the broader education sector.
