…Workshop held to guide unapproved school proprietors on meeting regulatory standards
By Damilola Abiola
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to approving private schools that meet the minimum requirements for establishment and operation in the state.
This assurance was given during an intervention workshop organised by the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) under the supervision of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MB&SE). The event, held Thursday at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Alausa, Ikeja, brought together educators, proprietors, and regulatory officials.
Speaking on the theme, “Pathway to Progress: Scaling Up Private Schools for Approval in Lagos State,” the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, represented by Mr. Olufemi Asaolu, Director of Basic Education Services, said the workshop represents the state’s proactive effort to ensure every child learns in a safe and quality-driven environment.
“We urge school proprietors to embrace regulatory compliance as a strategic pathway to sustainable growth and academic excellence,” Asaolu said. “It is the bedrock upon which we build schools that shape character, foster innovation, and prepare our students to be responsible and productive citizens.”
Coordinating Director of OEQA, Mr. Remi Abdul, represented by Mr. Taofeek Ajibade, Director of Quality Assurance, said the state aims to approve all qualified schools before the end of the year, provided they meet the prescribed requirements.
“This workshop is a clear demonstration of OEQA’s readiness to walk hand-in-hand with school owners on the journey toward full compliance,” Ajibade said, stressing the importance of meeting standards related to infrastructure, staffing, curriculum delivery, and safety.
Dr. Suleiman Ogunmuyiwa, Director of Private Education and Special Programmes (PESP), noted that registering with the government helps maintain accurate data crucial for planning and intervention.
“Let us work together with a shared vision to raise the standard of education in Lagos State. Our children deserve nothing less,” Ogunmuyiwa added.
Mrs. Kehinde Ogunlana, Head of Approvals at PESP, outlined the key criteria for school approval, including adequate infrastructure, safety facilities, functional libraries and ICT rooms, a sick bay, qualified teachers, playgrounds, and statutory records.
Also present was Mrs. Olanrewaju Oniyitan, Executive Director of SEED Care and Support Foundation, who pledged continued support to unapproved schools. “We offer tailored training, mentorship, and compliance resources to help informal institutions operate sustainably and legally,” she said.
Some newly approved school proprietors shared their experiences, describing the process as transparent and achievable without involving middlemen.
They advised others to “focus on meeting the set requirements,” noting that compliance benefits not just the schools, but also students, parents, and the entire educational ecosystem.