The Federal Government and the Lagos State Government have reaffirmed their commitment to improving Education standards through the implementation of the National Education Quality Assurance Policy. At a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Lagos, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, stressed the need for strong collaboration between federal and state authorities to enhance the quality of education across all schools. He noted that while Nigeria’s education policies are well-structured, their effectiveness depends on strict compliance and proper implementation.
Alli-Balogun raised concerns over declining Teacher discipline, describing it as a pressing issue that requires urgent intervention. He stated that ineffective enforcement mechanisms have led to problems such as lateness and truancy among teachers in both public and private schools. To address this, he called for stronger accountability measures to restore discipline in the teaching profession. He also highlighted the increasing student migration from other states to Lagos for educational opportunities, urging the Federal Government to provide special policy considerations for Lagos. This, he said, should include the establishment of more federal schools and technical colleges to accommodate the growing student population.
FG must strengthen collaboration for effective education oversight.
Moreover, the Commissioner also advocated better incentives and recognition for Education Quality Assurance Officers, acknowledging their crucial role in maintaining high educational standards. He urged the Federal Government to strengthen its partnership with Lagos State and address jurisdictional barriers preventing state quality assurance officers from monitoring federal schools within the state. His call was echoed by Dr. Tokunbo Yakubu-Oyinloye, Director of the Federal Education Quality Assurance Service (FEQAS) in Lagos, who stressed that education quality assurance must be coordinated at all levels to ensure uniform standards. She noted that although the National Education Quality Assurance Policy was revised in 2023, its implementation remains limited.
Dr. Yakubu-Oyinloye emphasised that the engagement provided an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the effective implementation of the policy. She commended Lagos State’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards and stressed that collaboration between federal and state authorities is key to ensuring consistency across schools. The Coordinating Director of the Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), Remi Abdul, described the meeting as a crucial step towards improving both private and public schools in Lagos. He highlighted the long-standing practice of joint monitoring and evaluation by federal and state officials, expressing optimism that enhanced cooperation would lead to better education outcomes.
Practical interventions are key to real progress.
Beyond policy implementation, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and insufficient teacher training continue to hinder education in Lagos. Many schools struggle with limited resources, making effective teaching difficult. While policies set a framework for improvement, addressing these practical issues is crucial for real progress. Some have also advocated for greater Investment in Digital Learning tools to modernise teaching and better prepare students for future opportunities. Without these improvements, policy reforms alone may not lead to meaningful change.
Furthermore, Private Sector involvement has been highlighted as a way to improve the quality of education, as government resources alone may not be enough. Corporate organisations and NGOs could support teacher training, fund scholarships, and upgrade school facilities to create a better learning environment. Strengthening public-private partnerships would help bridge gaps in education delivery, particularly in underserved areas. Expanding these efforts could improve access to quality education in Lagos and create better opportunities for students.
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As deliberations continue, the success of the National Education Quality Assurance Policy will depend on sustained commitment from all stakeholders. Participants emphasised that policies must lead to real improvements, requiring consistent monitoring, adequate funding, and close collaboration between federal and state authorities. A structured follow-up mechanism is essential to track progress, address challenges, and ensure accountability. With stronger federal-state cooperation and community engagement, Lagos could set a benchmark for education quality in Nigeria and serve as a model for other states.