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Tag: Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun

  • Harmonised academic calendar for Lagos schools underway- Commissioner

    Harmonised academic calendar for Lagos schools underway- Commissioner

    The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, has expressed optimism that an approved academic calendar will be ready in two weeks, following the adoption of an Harmonized Academic Calendar by key stakeholders in the education sector held at the Education Resource Centre (ERC) in Ojodu, Lagos State on Wednesday.

    The meeting, convened by the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), marked the final stage in the process of harmonizing the academic calendar for the 2025/2026 school year, pending the official release by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

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    Alli-Balogun reiterated his strong support for teachers’ welfare and the importance of maintaining a compulsory two-month third term break as part of the new academic calendar.

    “Our teachers need to rest, plan, restrategize, and spend quality time with their families. The long break at the end of the third term is designed for this purpose. Unfortunately, school activities often encroach on this break, and this must be discouraged,” the Commissioner explained.

    He urged stakeholders to make deliberate, thoughtful decisions when finalizing the calendar, aligning with the present administration’s vision for a robust education sector.

     “The essence of the academic calendar is to ensure the accurate number of instructional days to support effective teaching and learning outcomes. It also helps in identifying and accommodating necessary holidays to avoid disruptions,” he added.

  • Commissioner advocates greater inclusion of girls in STEM education

    Commissioner advocates greater inclusion of girls in STEM education

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, has called for increased efforts to promote the inclusion of girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, emphasizing the need to break traditional gender barriers in these fields.

    Alli-Balogun said this at the 2025 International Day of Education And International Day of Women & Girls in Science organized by Association for Childhood Education Practitioners (ACEP) Nigeria held at the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Hall, Maryland, Ikeja.

    Themed “AI & Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” the event brought together 300 students from various parts of Lagos, along with education leaders, policymakers, and technology advocates. 

    The highlight of the programme included interactive sessions, student presentations, and a display of a robotic station built by Students of Al Haleem International College Surulere.

    Alli-Balogun stressed that education is a transformative tool that equips individuals especially young girls with the skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

    “Education is the foundation of every individual’s life. Once you are educated, you have the willpower to break through any obstacle,” he stated.

    Represented by Mrs. Adewale Wahab, the Commissioner commended organisations advocating for gender equality in STEM, noting that more girls are now pursuing careers in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and other technology-driven fields.

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    “Girls are realizing that they are not just growing up to get married and have babies. They are making their mark in the world, proving their worth in various fields, including robotics and AI,” he added.

    Also, speaking at the event, The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, took the conversation further by addressing both the opportunities and challenges AI presents in education.

    “AI can revolutionize learning, automating grading, offering personalized tutoring, and making education more accessible. But we must be cautious. AI should enhance human agency, not replace it,” he remarked.

    He cited global examples, from China’s AI-powered classrooms raising privacy concerns to South Korea’s over-automation reducing students’ cognitive skills. 

    He emphasized the need for ethical AI policies in Africa, ensuring that AI systems are designed to reflect local contexts and values.

    “Africa sits on a demographic goldmine: a young, vibrant population. How we integrate AI into education will shape our future,” he said.

    Drawing insights from global AI trends, Ogunlende referenced Kenya’s M-Shule, Tanzania’s Ubongo, and Nigeria’s Andela, which are leveraging AI to bridge learning gaps and empower young Africans. 

    However, he warned against over-reliance on AI, advocating for a human-AI hybrid model that retains the irreplaceable role of teachers.

    “AI must empower teachers, not displace them,” he stressed, calling for clear AI regulations across Africa.

    Earlier, in her welcome address, the, National President of ACEP Nigeria, Islamiat Olaitan Oshodi stressed the importance of fostering gender equality in science.

    “Science in the 21st century is dynamic, collaborative, and diverse. It is a powerful tool for solving global challenges and opening career opportunities for women beyond the lab,” she said.

    Oshodi reiterated ACEP’s commitment to raising awareness and empowering women and girls in STEM fields, in line with UNESCO’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    “ACEP Nigeria cannot relent in raising awareness in contributing to the development of women in science fostering gender equality and inclusiveness as we work together to curb everyday challenges through innovations in STEM”, she said.

  • Commissioner tasks education evaluators on school monitoring

    Commissioner tasks education evaluators on school monitoring

    The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in Lagos State, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, has directed evaluators from the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) to closely monitor schools below the tertiary level in the state.

    The Coordinating Director, Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), Mr. Remi Abdul disclosed this directive at a recent management meeting of the agency held at Alausa, Ikeja.

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    He emphasized the importance of fearless monitoring and evaluation, stating that evaluators must ensure that teachers and students are punctual and regular and convey government directives to schools.

     “It is disheartening that despite the huge amounts government is committing towards education, the desired results have not been gotten,” he said.

  • Unregistered private schools risk sanctions, says Lagos govt 

    Unregistered private schools risk sanctions, says Lagos govt 

    The Lagos State government has directed all unapproved and unregistered private schools in the state to register immediately with the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) or risk sanctions. 

    The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, gave the directive as part of the state government’s efforts to ensure that all educational institutions below the tertiary level meet the required standards and provide quality education to learners. 

    A statement by the Coordinating Director of OEQA, Mr. Remi Abdul, quoted the commissioner as saying that registration is mandatory for all private schools and that failure to comply may result in sanctions. 

    He directed all unregistered and yet-to-be-approved private schools to submit their applications for registration from 13th January 2025, “to avoid any consequences.” 

    The statement reads: “There is a compelling need to ensure the registration and documentation of all yet-to-be-approved private schools operating in Lagos State. 

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    Consequently, the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry of Basic & Secondary Education hereby directs all unregistered and yet-to-be-approved private schools operating within Lagos State to register with the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) immediately. 

    “This directive is part of the Ministry’s efforts to ensure that all educational institutions below the tertiary level meet the required standards and provide quality education to learners. Registration with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is a mandatory requirement for all private schools, and failure to comply may result in sanctions. 

    “All unregistered and yet-to-be-approved private schools are required to submit their applications for registration from 13th January 2025, to avoid any consequences. 

    “The Ministry of Basic & Secondary Education, through the Office of Education Quality Assurance, is committed to ensuring that all learners receive a quality education, and we will not hesitate to take action against any institution that fails to register under this exercise.” 

    He said the benefits of registration include state recognition and intervention, access to technical and financial support, and remaining informed about emerging policies and initiatives from both state and federal ministries.

  • Why education must be re-engineered, by commissioner

    Why education must be re-engineered, by commissioner

    • Winners emerge in Lagos Governor’s Quiz Grand Finale

    The Lagos State Commissioner, Basic and Secondary Education Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun has stressed the need for national educational system to be re-engineered and schools repositioned to deliver graduate students, who will blend with the labour market demand.

    He explained that education remains a veritable means of attaining greatness as it prepares individuals for life’s challenges.    

    Alli-Balogun spoke yesterday at the 2024 Governor’s Quiz Grand Finale organised by the ministry in Lagos.

    He lauded the organisers for being in the forefront of advancing quality education and raising younger generation to become great leaders through such programmes.

    The commissioner said: “In any good educational system, knowledge is not only tested by written or summative examinations, but also adopt other means, such as quizzes, panel discussions, project works, which will further develop students for the task ahead.

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    “To produce self-reliant youths, our educational system must be re-engineered and schools repositioned to deliver graduate students who will blend with the labour market demand.

    “It is in pursuit of this goal, that, we are gathered here today to witness this keenly contested competition.

    “I am convinced that forum like this will ultimately develop the students with the skills of concentration, identify gaps in knowledge, assist them retain information and boost their self-confidence.

    “I have no doubt that this competition has showcased the creativity embedded in the participants and also improved educational excellence across the various schools.

    “For us as a state, we passionately advocate for the kind of education that not only prepare these children to be academically excellent, but financially emancipated and socially relevant in the future. We must assist them discover themselves and acquire the right skills to be competitive in various sectors and be champions globally.”

    Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education Mr. Abolaji Abayomi, in his remarks, appreciated the state governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, on the feat of improving education.

    He noted that the Governor’s Quiz over the years has created a platform to develop the minds of students, thereby, promoting healthy rivalry among them across the state.

    “No doubt, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education through these various State Programmes have produced exceptional students, who have represented the state at national and international competitions.

    “For us in the education sector, it is no gainsaying that quiz competitions like this focus on the trio of psychomotor, cognitive and the affective domains of students. This further enables the students to compete in various core subjects and general studies, widening their scope and reviewing their academic strength, knowledge.

    “This competition, which also encourages academic excellence, has become one of the most interesting and keenly contested competitions amongst Lagos State students, representing their various schools and education districts.

    “The prestige and privileges that comes with winning the grand prize of the Lagos State Governor’s Quiz has been a great motivating factor.

    The winners in Primary Category of the quiz are: Igbeyinadun Primary School, Mushin, first position; Maryland Primary School, kosofe (second position); and Fazi-lo-ma Primary School, Lagos Island (third position).

    For Junior Secondary Category: Vetland Junior Grammar School came first, Eva Adelaja Junior School (second position); and Oregun Junior High School (third position).

    In Senior Secondary Category: Lagos State Senior Model College, Badore took the first position: Ilupeju Junior Grammar School (second and Eva Adelaja Senior Secondary School (third position).