The Lagos State Government has taken steps to strengthen collaboration with private tertiary institutions as part of efforts to improve standards and sustainability in the state’s higher education sector.
The Nigeria Education News observed that the Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education convened its first Stakeholders’ Forum in Ikeja, bringing together government officials, private school owners, academics and industry leaders to discuss strategies for enhancing quality and innovation in tertiary education.
Speaking at the forum, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule, said the state’s ambition to become a leading knowledge-driven economy would require stronger partnerships between public and private institutions. She noted that private tertiary institutions play a critical role in expanding access to education and adapting academic programmes to evolving labour market demands.
The keynote speaker, Professor Bamitale Omole, emphasised that meaningful collaboration must go beyond dialogue to include innovation, clear regulatory frameworks and consistent engagement between stakeholders. He added that closer cooperation could help address infrastructural gaps, modernise curricula and ensure uniform quality standards across institutions.
Panelists at the forum, including education experts and private sector leaders, highlighted the need for joint initiatives in faculty development, digital learning and policy alignment to enhance the global competitiveness of graduates from Lagos-based institutions.
Participants at the event included private institution proprietors, university administrators, educators, former vice-chancellors and members of the public, underscoring the growing recognition of private institutions as key partners in Lagos State’s tertiary education transformation.
