The Lagos State Government has presented provisional approval letters to owners of 41 private nursery and primary schools and 29 junior and senior secondary schools.
At the presentation held on Wednesday at the Education Resource Center, Ojodu, Ikeja, the Supervising Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Sesan Ogundeko said the private educational institutions approved were those that met rigorous quality benchmarks.
He said the state recognised the crucial place of private schools in the Lagos education sector, promising continued resources, and support with private institutions for quality teaching and learning environment in the state.
In his welcome remarks, the Coordinating Director, Office of Education Quality Assurance, Mr Remi Abdul explained that only 70 out of the over 100 applicants for the provisional approval met the stringent criteria set by the state.
Abdul explained that the approval process encompassed online registration, site visits, approval inspections and meticulous documentation.
Abdul emphasized the importance of adherence to established educational laws and policies, particularly those concerning safeguarding and child protection.
He highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to student welfare.
“This initiative aligns with Lagos State’s ongoing efforts to regulate and elevate the quality of private education.
“School Proprietors are encouraged to maintain the high standards that qualify them for approval and to continually strive for excellence in their educational offerings,” Abdul said.
Speaking, the Director of Private Education & Special Programmes, Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa encouraged those who received provincial approval letters to maintain the high standards of education as established during the approval process.
On his part, the Executive Director, Lagos State Examinations Board, Mr Adebayo Orunsolu, who was represented by Mr Peter Adefioye underscored the significance of attestation certificates for schools that have received official approval.
‘’For schools that have recently obtained approval, this development offers a dual advantage. Not only does it enhance the institution’s credibility, but it also serves as a form of advertisement, attracting other schools to register their students under the newly approved institution.
‘’This shift ensures that certificates issued, such as those for the Junior Secondary School Examination and attestation, bear the name of the approved school, thereby bolstering its reputation.’’
The school owners expressed their satisfaction with the approval letters.
The proprietor of Russell College, Mrs. Ehi Nwanoeze praised the Lagos State Government, particularly the Quality Assurance Department, for its unwavering commitment to upholding educational standards.
