Lagos State Government through the Office of Education Quality Assurance, OEQA has presented Provisional Approval Letters to the first batch of Private School Owners for the year 2025. There are about 41 Nursery and Primary Schools and 29 Junior and Senior Secondary Schools.
In his address at the presentation held on Wednesday at the Education Resource Center, Ojodu, Ikeja,the Supervising Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr.Sesan Ogundeko said the event marks a significant milestone in the state government’s commitment to educational excellence and recognizing the vital role of Private Schools in the sector.
Ogundeko also underscored the importance of children as the future of the state, urging stakeholders to prioritize their welfare and education.
He said that as Lagos continues to invest in education, the state pledges to collaborate with private institutions to provide resources and support for a quality learning environment.
Ogundeko commended the officers of the Office of Education Quality Assurance for their dedication to maintaining high standards in schools across the state. He described their tireless efforts in ensuring educational institutions meet rigorous quality benchmarks as crucial to the success of Lagos’s education sector.
In his welcome remarks, the Coordinating Director of OEQA, Mr. Remi Abdul explained the Commissioner, Ministry of Basic and Secondary School, Mr. Jamiu Ali- Balogun resolve in advancing access to qualitative education for every child in the State which will be boosted with the formal Presentation of Provisional Approval Letters to Private School Owners as partners in the education sector of Lagos State.
Speaking further Abdul noted that out of the over 100 applicants for the provisional approval only 70 met the stringent criteria set by the state and the approval process encompassed comprehensive steps, including online registration, site visits, approval inspections and meticulous documentation.
Abdul emphasized the importance of adhering to established educational laws and policies, particularly those concerning safeguarding and child protection. He also issued a stern warning that any infractions could lead to severe sanctions, highlighting the government’s unwavering commitment to student welfare.
“This initiative aligns with Lagos State’s ongoing efforts to regulate and elevate the quality of private education.
“School Proprietors are encouraged to maintain the high standards that qualify them for approval and to continually strive for excellence in their educational offerings.”
Giving the vote of thanks, the Director of Private Education & Special Programmes, Dr Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa congratulated school owners and representatives on receiving their provisional approval letters and encouraged them to continue maintaining the high standards of education as established during the approval process.
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“I would also like to thank the entire members of the Private Education and Special Programmes Department for their dedication to promoting quality education in private schools and your tireless efforts in ensuring the smooth execution of today’s event, he stated”.
In his goodwill message, The Executive Director of Lagos State Examinations Board, Mr. Adebayo Orunsolu, who was represented by Mr. Peter Adefioye underscored the significance of attestation certificates for schools that have received official approval.
”For schools that have recently obtained approval, this development offers a dual advantage. Not only does it enhance the institution’s credibility, but it also serves as a form of advertisement, attracting other schools to register their students under the newly approved institution.
”This shift ensures that certificates issued, such as those for the Junior Secondary School Examination (JSSE) and attestation, bear the name of the approved school, thereby bolstering its reputation.”
Earlier, school owners expressed their satisfaction with the approval letters, while commending the Lagos State Government for its investment in the education sector.
Among the recipients was Mrs. Ehi Antoinette Nwanoeze, Proprietor of Russell College. Expressing her elation, she remarked, “It means a lot to us. It means recognition. It means we’ve done well. It means we are in line with the requirements of Lagos State in operating a college within Lagos itself.”
She further highlighted the detailed nature of the approval process, noting that while they initially believed they were prepared, the Ministry’s assessment revealed areas necessitating improvement.
Similarly, Mrs. Adeogo Omenebele-Eunice, Proprietress of Les Graines Precious Nursery and Primary School, shared her experience, describing the process as “a very thorough one, step-by-step overhauling of the schools in Lagos State.”
She extended her gratitude to the Lagos State Government and the Quality Assurance Department for their unwavering commitment to upholding educational standards.
