To continually enhance the quality of education in Lagos State, the government has reaffirmed its stance on education as a key driver of development.
This was emphasized by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, during the presentation of provisional approval letters to 78 private school owners at the Education Resource Centre, Ojodu, Ikeja, on Wednesday.
The event was organized by the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA).
Alli-Balogun praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his relentless efforts in prioritizing quality education, ensuring the state secures the future of its students across basic and secondary schools.
He highlighted that the governor’s commitment to education aligns with the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda in his second-term administration.
“We have promised the good people of Lagos that we will transform education for a brighter future. Governor Sanwo-Olu is passionate about education and technology as tools to drive societal change,” said the Commissioner.
He emphasized that quality education is a social investment, crucial for empowering the youth and shaping a better future.
Acknowledging the vital role private schools play in advancing education, Alli-Balogun urged school owners to uphold the integrity of their provisional approval letters, stressing that the government will enforce regulations to maintain high educational standards.
Earlier, Mr. Remi Abdul, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, commended the private school owners for successfully completing the approval process.
He encouraged them to continue collaborating with the government to ensure the delivery of quality education to all students in the state.
He explained that OEQA inspections and seminars were conducted to keep school owners informed of government policies and educational goals.
Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, Director of Private Education and Special Programmes at OEQA, highlighted the benefits of obtaining provisional approval, which include national and international recognition, access to government loans and grants, discounted rates from the government, and opportunities for external examinations.
On behalf of other private school owners, Mrs. Ann Oritshe Fabiyi, expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for its support and recognition of private schools as essential stakeholders in the state’s educational development.
This presentation marks the third of its kind in 2024, bringing the total number of approved private primary and secondary schools in Lagos to 5,785, up from 5,622 earlier in the year.
Mr. Adebowale Oketoyinbo, Deputy Director of the School Approval Unit, encouraged participants to maintain their partnership with the government, assuring them that this collaboration would bring further progress to their schools.
