Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector convened in Lagos on Thursday to strengthen the National Education Quality Assurance Policy implementation. Additionally, federal and state officials collaborated to improve educational standards across Lagos schools.
Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, stressed the need for federal-state synergy to tackle emerging educational challenges. He noted that Nigeria’s policies, though well-structured, require strict compliance and effective execution to succeed.
“Education policies must evolve with global trends,” Alli-Balogun asserted. “Rigorous implementation will elevate national standards, ensuring our students compete internationally.”
Simultaneously, he condemned declining teacher discipline, citing rampant lateness and truancy in schools. “Accountability mechanisms must be restored urgently,” he insisted, urging stricter oversight for both public and private institutions.
Furthermore, Alli-Balogun highlighted Lagos’ unique burden due to influxes of students from other states. He appealed for federal support, including more schools and technical colleges, to ease overcrowding.
Moreover, he demanded better incentives for Quality Assurance Officers, whose efforts he praised as vital. He also pushed for jurisdictional clarity to enable state officers to inspect federal schools.
Dr. Tokunbo Yakubu-Oyinloye, Director of FEQAS, echoed the call for stakeholder unity in upholding standards. She revealed that despite revising the National Policy in 2023, implementation gaps persist nationwide.
“This dialogue ensures stakeholder input shapes effective execution,” she affirmed. “Collaboration across governance tiers is non-negotiable for uniform quality.”
She commended Alli-Balogun’s leadership and Lagos’ partnership with FEQAS, signaling optimism for progress.
Mr. Remi Abdul, Coordinating Director of Lagos OEQA, hailed the meeting as pivotal for elevating school standards. He emphasized joint monitoring by federal and state teams, noting past evaluations yielded positive outcomes.
“Strengthened collaboration will boost teacher accountability, student performance, and systemic resilience,” Abdul concluded.
The summit underscored a collective resolve to transform Nigeria’s education sector. Prioritizing action over rhetoric, stakeholders now aim to convert plans into measurable improvements. As partnerships deepen, Lagos emerges as a testing ground for scalable reforms, offering hope for a national educational revival.
Ultimately, sustained political will, adequate funding, and transparent monitoring remain critical. By addressing teacher welfare, infrastructure gaps, and policy coherence, Nigeria can unlock its educational potential, empowering future generations to thrive globally.
