The Committee on the Lagos State Policy on Non-State Schools has engaged about 200 education stakeholders in a public hearing on a draft framework aimed at strengthening the regulation of private schools.

The session, held at the NUT Pavilion, Alausa, Ikeja, served as a platform for school owners, parents, civil society actors and education professionals to review key provisions of the draft policy.

Participants, who commended the framework, recommended additions to further enhance its effectiveness.

Journalists learnt on Thursday that the proposed framework seeks to improve regulation, provide support systems and integrate non-state schools more strategically into the Lagos education sector.

Addressing the forum, Chairman of the Committee and Director of Private Education and Special Programmes at the Office of Education Quality Assurance, Dr Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, said the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, remains committed to developing a balanced and inclusive policy.

Ogunmuyiwa assured school owners of “fair and unbiased evaluation,” noting that “the Lagos State Government seeks both quality education and an environment where school owners can thrive.”

He added that while the commissioner has the final approval power, “the committee will do its due diligence and present its position in the most professional manner for the approval of the commissioner.”

The Head of Research Unit at OEQA and Committee Secretary, David Ojelade, described the hearing as a turning point in the state’s pursuit of improved educational standards.

He said, “As non-state schools expand access to education, ease the burden on public schools, and provide innovative learning alternatives, it has become essential to create a harmonised regulatory framework that guarantees quality, safety, and accountability.”

According to him, the LSPNS is crafted to align with national standards, clarify roles and responsibilities within the sector and foster stronger collaboration between government and non-state actors.

Speaking at the event, the Southern Region Lead for Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria, Dr. James Fadokun, praised Lagos as a pacesetter in education reform, commending the state government for its commitment to the policy development process.

Fadokun expressed confidence that the concerns highlighted by school owners—largely centred on learners’ welfare and institutional improvement—would be duly considered by the government.

Stakeholders present included private school associations, homeschoolers, tutorial centres, virtual schools, non-governmental organisations, faith-based organisations, parents and education professionals.