Lagos Seals Substandard Private Schools

The Lagos State Government has sealed off a number of substandard private schools in its six education districts.

The schools were shut during an enforcement exercise by the Office of Education Quality Assurance, Lagos State Ministry of Education recently.

Punch correspondent learnt that while some of the schools were shut indefinitely, some were instructed to relocate to more conducive locations.

According to a statement by the Director-General, OEQA, Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, the affected schools operated below minimum operational guidelines of the state government in providing quality
teaching and learning in a standardised environment.

She said, “The Deputy-Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Adebule, frowns on the operation of unapproved schools or schools located within residential buildings, inadequate classrooms and toilet facilities as well as school premises being used as a church.

“Other elements of disaffection include schools with structural defects and operating in unkempt environment not conducive for effective teaching and learning.’’

Adding that the enforcement exercise was continuous, Soyombo urged prospective school owners to obtain guidelines for the establishment of schools from the ministry.

“We are also advising owners of schools where closure and relocation notice were served to desist from removing the said notices as such attracts sanctions and prosecution by the state government. Parents are also advised to desist from taking their wards to substandard private schools.

“The Lagos State Government is committed to preparing future leaders to move the state forward. A conducive and standardised environment, quality teaching and learning, monitoring and evaluation of schools, safeguarding and child protection practice remain the prerequisite for approval of schools in the state,’’ she added.