PRESS RELEASE
OEQA Rolls Out Automated Approval Process, Strengthens Compliance for Private Schools in Lagos
The Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) has unveiled a new compliance and automation framework aimed at strengthening standards in private schools across the state, particularly schools yet to secure government approval.
The Director-General of OEQA, Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, disclosed this during a one-day workshop organised for operators of Grade C and D schools on Wednesday in Alausa, Ikeja.
The workshop, targeted at Yet-to-be-Approved Private Schools (Grade C and D), was designed to equip proprietors with practical knowledge of regulatory requirements, compliance procedures, and the pathway to full approval.
Speaking at the event, Ogunmuyiwa said the state government would intensify enforcement of compliance measures across sectors, including education, stressing that school operators must align with evolving regulatory expectations.
“Lagos State is going to be very strong on compliance. If you look at other sectors, you will realise that compliance levels are becoming very high, whether in land use or other activities,” he said.
He noted that OEQA’s approach was not punitive but focused on preparing school owners to understand compliance obligations and meet required standards.
According to him, the agency has commenced comprehensive automation of its operational processes to simplify school registration and approval procedures.
“We are automating our processes. Registration and approval processes will be automated, and in a short time, schools should be able to obtain approval without physically coming to Alausa,” he stated.
Under the new framework, schools will submit applications online, receive acknowledgement notifications, and obtain updates on inspection schedules through a digital portal. School operators will also be able to verify the identities of assigned inspection officers online.
Ogunmuyiwa explained that inspection reports would be uploaded electronically, while schools would receive draft approval letters digitally before official presentation ceremonies.
He added that payment systems would also become fully automated, enabling operators to make payments remotely, receive invoices instantly, and generate receipts without physical interaction.
“This is to ensure compliance. Schools will no longer have excuses for non-compliance,” he said.
The DG, OEQA, further announced that all private schools in Lagos State would henceforth be required to submit three mandatory reports regularly as part of ongoing quality assurance measures.
The reports include annual School Self-Evaluation Reports, School Development Plans to be submitted every three to five years, and annual School Improvement Plans.
He warned that failure to submit the required reports would attract compliance actions from the agency.
As part of efforts to deepen internal monitoring mechanisms within schools, Ogunmuyiwa revealed that OEQA would introduce structured training programmes leading to basic, intermediate, and advanced certification in quality assurance.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at ensuring every school has a designated quality assurance officer responsible for maintaining standards and monitoring compliance.
“Just as schools have designated safeguarding and child protection officers, they should also have officers dedicated to quality assurance,” he said.
He also disclosed that representatives of financial institutions attended the workshop to provide information on funding opportunities and financial support options available to schools seeking to upgrade facilities.
He reiterated that the reforms were intended to provide a clear transition pathway for schools operating within the Grade C and D categories to attain full approval status while guaranteeing safe and quality learning environments for children.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Director of Private Education and Special Programmes at OEQA, Mrs. Kehinde Ogunlana, said the workshop was introduced following observations that many schools remained at the “awaiting approval” stage because operators found the approval process technical and difficult to navigate independently.
She explained that the initiative was conceived to simplify the process and provide direct guidance to school proprietors.
Ogunlana disclosed that feedback from earlier editions indicated that many participants gained a clearer understanding of infrastructure requirements, teacher qualifications, documentation standards, and child safeguarding expectations.
She added that several schools that participated in previous batches had since completed the approval process successfully.
“The workshop is designed to support schools, not to sanction them. The Lagos State Government recognises the role private schools play in expanding access to education, especially in communities where public schools cannot meet growing demand,” she said.
According to her, the workshop focused on four major areas: infrastructure and facilities, teacher qualifications and equipment, child safeguarding and health protocols, and documentation and compliance procedures.
By the end of the programme, participants were expected to gain clarity on approval requirements, obtain practical compliance checklists, and establish direct communication channels with OEQA for follow-up support.
She reaffirmed that participation in the workshop was entirely free, with no hidden charges or obligations beyond commitment to implementing the lessons shared.
Also speaking at the workshop, the Executive Director of SEED Care and Support Foundation, Mrs. Olanrewaju Oniyitan, stated that the foundation helps schools bridge the gap between regulatory requirements and their capacity to meet them.
“SEED assesses each school’s needs, develops action and improvement plans, and connects them with financial partners, including commercial banks, microfinance banks, and non-interest institutions for faith-based schools. The foundation also facilitates access to government interventions like the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund and trains schools on accessing grants,” she said.
She concluded by saying that SEED provides technical assistance, action plan development, and linkages to financial partners to help schools meet OEQA standards and achieve full approval.
Some of the facilitators included Mr. Amos Fajobi, Director, Schools Standard Evaluation; Mrs. Olusola Oluwatayo, Director, Monitoring and Investigation; and Mr. Adebowale Oketoyinbo and Mrs. Bisi Aduroja, Directors in the Private Education and Special Programmes Department.
Also present at the event were departmental heads, coordinating directors, and representatives of financial institutions.
Adepeju Adeyemi
Deputy Director, Public Affairs
14 May, 2026.
