Lagos OEQA Presents Approval Letters to 76 Private Schools, Charges Owners to Uphold Standards

In a significant boost to the education sector, the Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) has granted approval to 76 private schools, marking the first batch of approvals for the 2026 exercise. The ceremony, held at the Education Resource Centre in Ojodu on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, underscores the state government’s commitment to enhancing educational standards and ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines.

Presenting the approval letters, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, admonished the new school owners to remain law-abiding and align their operations with state directives. “Ensure that you comply with all directives from OEQA and the Ministry. These directives are aimed at building credible institutions that will produce pupils of sound character and future leaders we can all be proud of,” he stated.

The approved schools include 34 secondary institutions, 41 nursery and primary schools, and one boarding secondary school, all of which successfully met the requirements outlined in the Lagos State Guidelines on the Establishment and Operation of Private Schools.

Alli-Balogun reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards vices such as examination malpractice, bullying, and sexual assault, warning that defaulters would face severe sanctions. He also emphasized the importance of adhering to the Lagos State School Safety Initiative to protect students, staff, and school property.

In her remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, assured the proprietors of ongoing government support and monitoring. She urged those with boarding facilities to prioritize student welfare and comply strictly with relevant regulations, highlighting the collaborative relationship between the state and private operators.

As earlier reported by NaijaChoice News, the Lagos State Government has been streamlining the approval process for private schools, with OEQA adopting a quarterly approval system to encourage compliance and support quality education delivery. This initiative follows successful efforts in 2025, where 145 schools received provisional approvals in multiple batches, enabling them to participate in external examinations like WAEC and NECO, and access state capacity-building programs.

Director-General of OEQA, Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, described the event as a milestone in promoting accountability and standards in education. He announced plans to approve no fewer than 100 schools per quarter, urging unapproved institutions to utilize the new window by meeting all requirements.

Representatives from the Lagos State Examinations Board, including Mr. Peter Adefioye, enlightened the owners on examination procedures, stressing that the Placement Test for primary school pupils is mandatory across the state. He advised seeking direct information from the board to avoid misconceptions.

In a vote of thanks, Director of Private Education and Special Programmes, Mrs. Kehinde Ogunlana, commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his investments in education. Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Pastor (Mrs.) Atinuke Oyenuga pledged to maintain high standards and contribute to Lagos’ educational excellence.

The event was attended by dignitaries including representatives from the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Eniola Opeyemi, and coordinating directors from the six education districts.

This development aligns with broader efforts to regulate private education in Lagos, where thousands of schools operate, aiming to foster an enabling environment for quality learning amid Nigeria’s growing demand for accessible education.