June 27, 2025 – The Lagos State Government has inaugurated a 17-member committee to draft and implement a comprehensive policy for non-state schools operating within the state. The initiative, led by the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), is designed to regulate and improve education standards across private and mission-owned schools in Lagos.
The committee inauguration took place on Thursday at the OEQA Headquarters Conference Room in Alausa, Ikeja. The event marked a significant step towards ensuring that non-state educational institutions align with national benchmarks and Lagos State’s unique educational requirements.
Mrs. Abisola Dokumu-Adegbite, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, emphasised the importance of the new policy during her remarks. She noted that this initiative is in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of providing equitable, high-quality education for every child in Lagos, regardless of whether they attend public or private schools.
“The committee is expected to produce a policy of world-class standard,” Mrs. Dokumu-Adegbite stated. She encouraged members to focus on both current realities and future demands to promote educational equity and ensure every child has access to quality learning.
“I hope I have your assurances as I inaugurate you today to deliver unto us within the specific timeline, a document that is both standard and usable over the years,” she added. She also promised to stay actively involved throughout the committee’s assignment, providing necessary support and oversight.
In his opening speech, Mr. Remi Abdul, Coordinating Director of OEQA, described the event as a landmark development in Lagos State’s mission to reform the education sector.
“This initiative is setting the agenda for the standardisation of non-state schools in Lagos and potentially across Nigeria,” Mr. Abdul said. He applauded the technical contributions of the DAWN Commission and the Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria through Education (PLANE), noting their crucial role in supporting this policy development.
Mr. Abdul also highlighted that Lagos State is leading the efforts to localise the National Policy for Non-State Schools, which was recently endorsed by the National Council for Education.
Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, Director of Private Education and Special Programmes at OEQA, was announced as the chairman of the newly formed committee. Dr. Ogunmuyiwa explained that the committee’s main duties include identifying gaps in current regulations, aligning policies with national frameworks, and drafting a clear, unified policy for non-state educational institutions.
“Once implemented, this policy will provide non-government education investors with a unified, transparent framework – replacing outdated guidelines and simplifying compliance,” Dr. Ogunmuyiwa explained. The committee is expected to submit its draft document to the Lagos State House of Assembly within two months for legislative approval.
The inauguration was well-received by stakeholders across the education sector. Chief Alaka Yusuf, President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Lagos Chapter, expressed optimism about the policy’s impact.
“This policy will enhance the quality of education and ensure consistency across both public and private institutions in Lagos,” Chief Yusuf said.
Reverend Father Vincent Oluwafemi Bankole, representing Catholic Mission Schools in Lagos, described the policy as a positive development. “It’s a step in the right direction, guiding all non-state actors toward a shared vision of quality education,” he remarked.
Alhaji Yaqeen Mansur, Chairman of the League of Muslim School Proprietors in Lagos, commended the government’s efforts. “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,” he said.
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The policy, once finalised and approved, will guide operations in all private, mission, and other non-government schools in Lagos, supporting education reform and promoting quality learning for all.