Lagos State Launches Committee to Standardize Private, Mission-Owned Schools

Lagos State Launches Committee to Standardize Private, Mission-Owned Schools

ESTHER SALIFU, Abuja

In a major stride toward education reform, the Lagos State Government has inaugurated a 17-member committee to develop and implement a landmark policy aimed at standardizing operations in private and mission-owned schools across the state.

The Lagos State Government on Thursday inaugurated a high-level committee tasked with drafting a comprehensive regulatory framework for private and mission-owned schools. The initiative marks a decisive move to raise education quality and ensure uniform standards across all non-state learning institutions.

The policy, expected within two months, will align with the National Policy for Non-State Schools but be tailored to reflect the unique educational landscape of Lagos. It will be developed under the supervision of the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) and submitted to the Lagos State House of Assembly for legislative backing.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at OEQA’s headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, emphasized that the initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision for inclusive and world-class education.

“The committee is expected to produce a policy of world-class standard. I hope I have your assurances to deliver unto us within the specific timeline, a document that is both standard and useable over the years,” she said, assuring the group of the government’s full support.

Coordinating Director of OEQA, Remi Abdul, hailed the development as a “landmark step” in transforming education delivery in Lagos State and potentially setting a model for the rest of Nigeria.

“This initiative is setting the agenda for the standardization of non-state schools in Lagos and potentially across Nigeria,” Abdul stated, acknowledging the support of partners including the DAWN Commission and the PLANE program for their technical assistance.

Chairing the committee is Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, Director of Private Education and Special Programmes at OEQA. He described the group’s mandate as essential to streamlining regulations and modernizing oversight.

“Once implemented, this policy will provide non-government education investors with a unified, transparent framework, replacing outdated guidelines and simplifying compliance,” he noted.

Stakeholders present at the event expressed strong support for the initiative. Chief Alaka Yusuf, President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Lagos Chapter, described the effort as a game-changer.

“This policy will enhance the quality of education and ensure consistency across both public and private institutions in Lagos,” he said.

Reverend Father Vincent Bankole, representing Catholic Mission Schools, called the move “a step in the right direction,” while Alhaji Yaqeen Mansur, Chairman of the League of Muslim School Proprietors in Lagos, remarked:

“For the first time, we are getting it right. This policy will serve as a working paper for every non-state school operator and contribute to Lagos State’s developmental goals.”

The committee is expected to identify regulatory gaps, align the policy with national frameworks, and submit a final draft to the state assembly for endorsement ushering in a new era of structured, accountable education in Lagos.