OEQA Launches Database Project to Strengthen Private Education in Lagos
Kehinde Adeleye
The Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, has commenced a comprehensive enumeration of private schools across the state.
The exercise was formally unveiled on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, at the OEQA Conference Room by the Coordinating Director, Mr Remi Abdul, following approval from the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun.
According to Abdul, the initiative seeks to establish a robust database of all private schools operating in Lagos. “This enumeration is not merely a counting exercise; it is a strategic initiative to provide accurate, current, and comprehensive information about private schools across Lagos State. The data will guide policy formulation, resource allocation, and sector-wide planning,” he said.
The exercise will capture statistics on enrolment, infrastructure, staffing, and the distribution of schools by local government areas. It will also set baseline indicators to assess and improve standards in private institutions while fostering stronger
collaboration between government, school owners, NGOs, and international development partners.
The data to be collected includes school identity (name, location, status), infrastructure (classrooms, facilities), human resources (teaching and non-teaching staff), and student demographics (enrolment by class, age, and gender).
Private schools are required to designate Education Management Information System (EMIS) officers to liaise with OEQA field teams. Abdul assured proprietors that the exercise would not disrupt academic activities and that all information would be handled with strict confidentiality.
He also outlined the benefits for participating schools, including:
• Official recognition in the state’s educational database
• Access to government support programmes, training, and partnerships
• Opportunities for collaboration with other providers
• Access to aggregated data to support school planning and development
The database will be updated quarterly to reflect changes in student and teacher populations, as well as performance outcomes.
Information on the process will be shared via the OEQA website, WhatsApp groups, and other platforms. Schools are expected to register through the official link: https://forms.gle/ib8jHZ3akqpJMyN86 or contact OEQA via prsoeqa@gmail.com.
“Your participation will not only benefit your institutions but will also strengthen the entire private education sector by providing the data necessary for informed decision-making and strategic planning. Together, we are building the foundation for a world-class educational system in Lagos State,” Abdul added.
The launch was attended by senior OEQA officials, including the Director of Planning, Mr Hakeem Kehinde Idowu; the Director of Research, Mrs Evelyn Pelemo; and the Director of Statistics, Mr Johnson Adeyemi. Representatives of various school associations, such as the Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria, Lagos Baptist Schools, Muslim Schools Proprietors Association of Nigeria, Seed Care and Support, and the Education Reformers Association of Nigeria, were also present.
