Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun: Architect of Educational Reform

Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun serves as the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in Lagos State, a role he assumed in September 2023 under the second-term cabinet of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. His leadership is defined by a data-driven approach to educational reform, focusing on the "THEMES Plus" agenda of the state government. By prioritizing the structural integrity of the learning environment and the quality of the teaching staff, Alli-Balogun aims to ensure that Lagos remains a benchmark for educational excellence in West Africa.

One of the Commissioner’s flagship initiatives is the aggressive pursuit of Project Zero, a strategic drive aimed at eradicating the "out-of-school children" phenomenon in Lagos. Under his supervision, the Ministry has deployed school kits and conducted grassroots mobilization to re-enroll thousands of learners into the formal school system. This initiative treats education as a fundamental right rather than a privilege, focusing on vulnerable communities to ensure that economic barriers do not prevent children from accessing basic literacy and numeracy.

Commissioner Alli-Balogun has also placed a strong emphasis on Quality Assurance and school monitoring. He has directed the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) to carry out "fearless monitoring" across both public and private schools. This includes the enforcement of a harmonized academic calendar and a renewed focus on external examination performance. By mandating Saturday intervention classes and morning/afternoon coaching sessions, he is working to close the learning gap and improve student success rates in WAEC and NECO examinations.

​Beyond traditional classroom learning, Alli-Balogun is a vocal advocate for technical and vocational education. He frequently stresses the need for students to discover their unique strengths early, pushing for a system that integrates vocational training into the core curriculum. This approach is designed to produce graduates who are not only academically sound but also equipped with the practical skills needed for the 21st-century workforce. His support for STEM education, particularly for girls, underscores his vision for a diverse and inclusive future for Lagosian students.

Looking toward 2026, the Commissioner continues to champion student welfare and safeguarding. He has reaffirmed the state’s zero-tolerance policy for corporal punishment and promoted events like the Lagos State Spelling Bee, which produces the "One-Day Governor." His recent appointment to the Governing Council of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) further solidifies his influence at the national level, where he works to professionalize teaching standards and elevate the status of educators across the country.