Lagos moves to overhaul private schools regulation with new Policy Framework

The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to reform and strengthen the regulation of private education, as it convened a major public hearing on the draft Lagos State Policy on Non-State Schools (LSPNS), a framework designed to raise standards, improve oversight, and harmonise operations across the rapidly expanding private school sector.

The session, held at the NUT Pavilion in Alausa, Ikeja, brought together about 200 education stakeholders, including proprietors, NGOs, faith-based organisations, parents, homeschoolers, tutorial centres, virtual schools, and education professionals.

Participants engaged directly with provisions of the draft policy, offering recommendations aimed at ensuring quality, equity and sustainability across non-state schools.

Speaking at the forum, the Chairman of the Committee and Director of Private Education and Special Programmes at the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), Dr Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, affirmed that the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, is committed to delivering a policy that reflects the interests of all stakeholders while strengthening the State’s education ecosystem.

Ogunmuyiwa assured school owners of transparent and unbiased evaluation processes, noting that the objective is to create an environment where quality education thrives alongside viable school operations.

He said the Committee will conduct a thorough review of submissions and present its recommendations professionally to the Commissioner, who will forward the final draft to the State Executive Council for approval and subsequent assent by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

He added that all substantive inputs aligned with the policy’s goals, quality, fairness, and long-term sustainability, would be incorporated into the final document.

The Committee Secretary and Head of the Research Unit at OEQA, Mr David Ojelade, described the hearing as “a pivotal moment in Lagos’ educational advancement”.

He noted that non-state schools now play a central role in expanding access to education, easing pressure on public schools, and providing innovative learning options, making a harmonised regulatory framework essential.

According to Ojelade, the LSPNS has been crafted to align with national standards, clarify institutional responsibilities, and foster deeper collaboration between government and non-state actors.

He said the hearing reflects Lagos’ commitment to transparency, fairness, and inclusive participation in policy formulation.

The Southern Region Lead for the Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE), Dr James Fadokun, praised Lagos for its leadership in education reform, describing the State as a model for the entire South-West.

He commended the government’s seriousness in advancing the policy, despite its federal origins, and expressed confidence that concerns raised would be addressed in the best interest of learners.

He further applauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for prioritising education under the THEMES+ Agenda, particularly the emphasis on education and technology.

Throughout the hearing, stakeholders submitted oral and written recommendations, with several calling for a review of tax obligations on private schools to curb the challenge of multiple taxation affecting proprietors and parents.

Others advocated special consideration for charitable, non-profit and faith-based institutions that operate primarily to support government efforts.

Some participants also proposed that the State permit private schools to obtain approval as specialised institutions, such as science, arts or commercial-focused schools, to strengthen excellence and streamline operational mandates.

Once adopted, the Lagos State Policy on Non-State Schools is expected to significantly enhance oversight, improve learning outcomes, and stand as a model for effective government–stakeholder collaboration in safeguarding the interests of the Nigerian child.

Stakeholders in attendance included private school associations, homeschoolers, tutorial centres, virtual and online schools, NGOs, faith-based organisations, parents, educators and members of the media.