Lagos Holds Public Hearing On New Education Policy For Non-State Schools

The Committee on the Lagos State Policy on Non-State Schools (LSPNS) on Tuesday held a public hearing with over 200 education stakeholders to review the draft framework designed to strengthen regulation and improve quality across private schools in Lagos State. The session, held at the NUT Pavilion in Alausa, Ikeja, created an opportunity for educators, school owners, civil society groups, and parents to engage with and contribute to the policy. Stakeholders commended the comprehensive nature of the framework while recommending key additions that would enhance support, integration, and accountability across the non-state education sector.

Chairman of the Committee and Director of Private Education and Special Programmes at the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, assured participants that the State Government remains committed to developing a holistic policy that reflects the interests of all stakeholders. He emphasized that the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Ali-Balogun, prioritises creating a balanced approach that promotes both quality education and a conducive operating environment for school owners. Dr. Ogunmuyiwa also stated that while the Committee would conduct a fair and unbiased review of the submissions, the final approval rests with the Commissioner, after which the policy will be forwarded to the State Executive Council for consideration.

He further explained that all meaningful contributions aligned with the principles of quality, equity, and sustainability would be integrated into the final document. The Committee Secretary and Head of Research (OEQA), Mr. David Ojelade, described the hearing as a pivotal step in advancing education in Lagos State. He noted that non-state schools play a vital role in expanding access to learning, reducing pressure on public schools, and offering innovative education models. This growing relevance, he said, makes a harmonised regulatory framework essential to ensuring safety, accountability, and consistency across the sector.

Also speaking at the event, the Southern Region Lead for the Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE), Dr. James Fadokun, praised Lagos State for leading the South-West in education reform efforts. He commended the State Government’s commitment to the policy despite its federal origin and expressed confidence that the concerns raised—particularly those meant to safeguard learners and institutions—would be addressed. Dr. Fadokun also lauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s prioritisation of education under the THEMES Plus Agenda, especially the emphasis on leveraging technology to improve learning outcomes.

Throughout the session, stakeholders presented their submissions and highlighted concerns needing further review, including calls for reduced multiple taxation on schools and special considerations for charitable, non-profit, and faith-based institutions. Some participants also advocated allowing schools to operate as specialised institutions—whether science, arts, or commercial-focused—to foster excellence and clarity in their mandates. Once adopted, the Lagos State Policy on Non-State Schools is expected to strengthen oversight, improve learning outcomes, and serve as a model of effective government–stakeholder collaboration aimed at safeguarding the educational future of the Nigerian child.