Lagos Reaffirms Commitment to Approving Standards-Compliant Private Schools

The Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to approving private schools that meet the prescribed operational standards.

This assurance was given 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.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, was represented by the Director of Basic Education Services, Mr Olufemi Asaolu, who emphasised that the initiative aims to ensure every child in the state has access to quality education in a safe learning environment.

He encouraged proprietors to view compliance with regulatory standards not as a burden but as a pathway to sustainable growth and academic excellence.

The workshop, themed “Pathway to Progress: Scaling Up Private Schools for Approval in Lagos State,” drew participants, including educators, school owners, and OEQA officials.

Speakers emphasised the crucial role of regulatory compliance in promoting school development, ensuring student safety, and enhancing academic outcomes.

OEQA’s Coordinating Director, Mr Remi Abdul, represented by Mr Taofeek Ajibade, disclosed that the state government intends to approve all eligible private schools by the end of the year, provided they meet the established criteria.

 He described the workshop as a demonstration of the government’s support for private education and its drive to ensure quality assurance across all institutions.

Dr Suleiman Ogunmuyiwa, Director of Private Education and Special Programmes, stressed the importance of proper school registration for data integrity, effective planning, and targeted educational interventions. He acknowledged the significant role private schools play in supporting the state’s educational objectives.

In her remarks, Mrs Kehinde Ogunlana, Head of Approvals at the Private Education and Special Programmes (PESP) unit, outlined key approval requirements. These include adequate infrastructure, safety provisions, qualified teaching staff, functional libraries and ICT rooms, school policies, statutory documentation, and tax compliance.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs Olanrewaju Oniyitan, Executive Director of SEED Care and Support Foundation, pledged support for unapproved school proprietors through capacity-building programmes, mentorship, and access to funding, enabling them to meet regulatory benchmarks.

Newly approved school proprietors present at the event shared their experiences, describing the approval process as transparent and achievable. They advised other school owners to avoid intermediaries and instead focus on meeting the OEQA’s official standards for the long-term benefit of their schools and the broader education system.