The Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) has presented approval letters to 76 private schools that met the State Government’s guidelines for the establishment and operation of private educational institutions.

The presentation ceremony, which marked Batch 1 of the 2026 approval exercise, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

In a statement by the State government on Thursday, presenting the approval letters to the beneficiaries, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, charged the newly approved school owners to remain law-abiding and strictly adhere to all laws, rules, and directives guiding school operations in Lagos State.

The Commissioner urged the proprietors to align their activities with the State Government’s vision of advancing the education sector, adding that schools must always be open to officials of OEQA and representatives of the Ministry during routine assessments and other official engagements.

Mr. Alli-Balogun reiterated the government’s zero tolerance for school-related vices and warned proprietors against engaging in acts that could undermine educational standards, noting that offenders would face severe sanctions.

“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 said.

He further stressed the importance of full compliance with the Lagos State School Safety Initiative, emphasising adequate protection for teachers, non-teaching staff, pupils, and school property.

Alli-Balogun warned that the State Government frowns strongly against examination malpractice, bullying, sexual assault, and other related vices, adding that defaulters would be appropriately sanctioned.

In her goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, assured the new school owners of continuous monitoring and institutional support from the State Government to keep them on the right path.

She emphasised that the government values private school operators and seeks to maintain a cordial and collaborative relationship with them rather than a servant-master arrangement.

Whilst congratulating the beneficiaries on securing government approval, she urged them to continue operating strictly within the ambit of the law.

Mrs. Dokunmu-Adegbite specifically advised the newly approved school with boarding facilities to adhere strictly to regulations guiding boarding schools and to prioritise the safety and welfare of students at all times.

Earlier in his address, the Director-General of OEQA, Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, described the ceremony as a significant milestone in the State’s efforts to promote quality assurance, standards, and accountability in the education sector.

According to him, the approved institutions comprised 34 secondary schools, 41 nursery and primary schools, and one boarding secondary school.

He explained that approvals were granted after the schools successfully met all requirements outlined in the State Guidelines on the Establishment and Operation of Private Schools.

Dr. Ogunmuyiwa also announced the adoption of a quarterly approval exercise, with a target of approving not fewer than 100 schools per quarter, noting that the initiative is designed to streamline the approval process, encourage compliance, and support genuine school owners committed to quality education delivery.

He encouraged proprietors of unapproved schools across the State to take advantage of the quarterly approval window by ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements, assuring them of the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for quality education to thrive.

Also speaking at the event, the Representative of the Registrar, Lagos State Examinations Board, Mr. Peter Adefioye, enlightened the new school owners on examination codes and procedures, guiding them on how to register their schools for statutory examinations seamlessly.

He explained that the session became necessary following observations that some proprietors were unaware of the next steps after receiving approval letters, while others avoided the Board due to misconceptions about the process.

Mr. Adefioye clarified that the Placement Test for final-year primary school pupils is mandatory for all pupils in Lagos State, irrespective of whether they intend to attend private or government-owned secondary schools. He advised school owners to seek accurate information directly from the Board rather than rely on unverified sources.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Director of Private Education and Special Programmes, Mrs. Kehinde Ogunlana, appreciated Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the leadership of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for the confidence reposed in OEQA to carry out its mandate.

She also commended the new school owners for their cooperation throughout the rigorous approval process and for complying with government requirements.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, a school administrator, Pastor (Mrs.) Atinuke Oyenuga, commended the State Government for its sustained efforts at improving educational standards.

She appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu for his significant investment in education and pledged that the newly approved schools would uphold high standards to ensure Lagos State remains a reference point for educational excellence nationwide.

Other dignitaries at the event included representatives of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Eniola Opeyemi; the Coordinating Directors from the six Education Districts, and other top government officials.