The Lagos State Government has formally approved 76 private schools that have satisfied the regulatory requirements for operating within the state’s education system.
The approval letters were presented by the Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance during a ceremony held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Education Resource Centre, Ojodu. The exercise marked the first batch of approvals for the 2026 calendar year.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, cautioned school proprietors to operate strictly within the law, stressing that approval comes with continuous responsibility and accountability.
He emphasized that private schools must align with government policies and remain accessible to officials of the Ministry and the Office of Education Quality Assurance during inspections and assessments.
The Commissioner warned that the State Government would not tolerate practices that undermine educational standards, including examination malpractice, bullying, sexual misconduct, or any form of indiscipline. According to him, schools found culpable of such acts would face stiff penalties.
He also highlighted the importance of complying with the Lagos State School Safety Initiative, urging proprietors to prioritise the safety of learners, teachers, non-teaching staff, and school infrastructure.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, congratulated the newly approved school owners and assured them of continuous guidance and monitoring from the government. She explained that the relationship between the government and private school operators is intended to be collaborative, with a shared goal of delivering quality education.
Mrs. Dokunmu-Adegbite specifically advised schools with boarding facilities to strictly adhere to regulations governing boarding operations, noting that student welfare must always remain paramount.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance, Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, described the approval exercise as part of the government’s broader commitment to maintaining quality, accountability, and standardisation in education delivery.
He disclosed that the approved schools consist of 34 secondary schools, 41 nursery and primary schools, and one boarding secondary school, all of which successfully met the criteria outlined in the State’s guidelines for private school operations.
Dr. Ogunmuyiwa further announced that the Board has adopted a quarterly approval system, targeting a minimum of 100 school approvals every quarter. He explained that the initiative is aimed at improving efficiency, encouraging compliance, and supporting genuine investors in education.
He urged proprietors of unapproved schools across the state to take advantage of the quarterly window by ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards.
Also addressing participants, a representative of the Lagos State Examinations Board, Mr. Peter Adefioye, sensitised school owners on examination procedures and statutory requirements. He clarified that the placement test for final-year primary pupils is compulsory for all pupils in Lagos State, regardless of whether they intend to attend public or private secondary schools.
Mr. Adefioye advised proprietors to seek accurate information directly from the Board, warning against reliance on rumours or unofficial sources.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Director of Private Education and Special Programmes, Mrs. Kehinde Ogunlana, appreciated the support of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
She commended the school owners for their cooperation throughout the approval process.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Pastor (Mrs.) Atinuke Oyenuga expressed gratitude to the State Government for its investment in education and pledged that the newly approved schools would uphold high standards in line with government expectations.
The event was attended by officials from the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, representatives of the Governor, Education District Coordinating Directors, and other key stakeholders in the education sector.
