The Lagos State Government has inaugurated a 17-member committee tasked with drafting and implementing a comprehensive policy for private and mission-owned schools, signalling a new effort to standardise education across non-state institutions in the state.
The proposed policy, expected to be ready within two months, will be developed under the supervision of the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA). It is designed to align with national education benchmarks while also addressing the specific needs of Lagos State.
Speaking at the committee’s unveiling on Thursday at the OEQA headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abisola Dokumu-Adegbite, said the initiative reflected Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to delivering inclusive and quality 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,” Dokumu-Adegbite said, pledging continued support to ensure the policy’s success.
The Coordinating Director of OEQA, Remi Abdul, described the committee’s inauguration as a significant milestone in regulating and enhancing education delivery across the state.
“This initiative is setting the agenda for the standardisation of non-state schools in Lagos and potentially across Nigeria,” Abdul said, commending the DAWN Commission and PLANE for their technical assistance. He noted that the new policy would build on the recently approved National Policy for Non-State Schools and showcase Lagos’ leadership in localising such frameworks.
Chairing the committee is Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, Director of Private Education and Special Programmes at OEQA.
Outlining the committee’s responsibilities, Ogunmuyiwa said, “Once implemented, this policy will provide non-government education investors with a unified, transparent framework, replacing outdated guidelines and simplifying compliance.”
The committee’s mandate includes identifying regulatory gaps, aligning the policy with national frameworks, and submitting a draft document to the Lagos State House of Assembly for legislative backing.
Representatives of key stakeholders present at the unveiling expressed support for the initiative.
“This policy will enhance the quality of education and ensure consistency across both public and private institutions in Lagos,” said Chief Alaka Yusuf, President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Lagos Chapter.
Reverend Father Vincent Bankole, representing Catholic Mission Schools, described the initiative as “a step in the right direction,” while Alhaji Yaqeen Mansur, Chairman of the League of Muslim School Proprietors in Lagos, said, “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’s recommendations are expected to pave the way for enforceable legislation that will guide the operations of non-state schools across Lagos State.
