The Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) has intensified efforts to reposition the education sector by promoting synergy among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as part of its broader strategic plan for improved school performance.
This formed the focus of deliberations at the Collaborative Technical Committee (CTC) meeting held at the OEQA headquarters in Ikeja, where key stakeholders across the education value chain converged to review progress and chart pathways for strengthening service delivery.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director-General of OEQA, Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing systemic challenges confronting the sector.
“Quality education remains a shared responsibility that requires deliberate coordination, sustained engagement, and actionable partnerships among all relevant agencies,” Ogunmuyiwa said.
He described the CTC platform as a strategic interface where policy decisions are aligned with practical implementation to achieve measurable outcomes in schools.
“This meeting serves as a bridge between policy formulation and field realities, ensuring that institutional mandates are harmonised to tackle real challenges within our schools,” he stated.
According to him, the CTC was established as a coordination mechanism to facilitate the exchange of insights from field evaluations, escalate critical issues, and align institutional interventions.
“The platform enables us to share data-driven insights, identify gaps, and ensure that resolutions taken here translate into tangible improvements across schools in Lagos State,” he added.
Ogunmuyiwa noted that previous engagements under the platform had yielded significant interventions across the sector, stressing the need to further strengthen inter-agency collaboration.
“We have recorded notable progress through this collaborative approach, and it is imperative that we build on this momentum to achieve even greater results,” he said.
Highlighting the broader vision of the agency, the Director-General reiterated that OEQA’s mandate is encapsulated in the acronym “REMI” – Regular Evaluation and Monitoring to Improve Schools.
“Our core objective is to drive improved teaching standards and enhance learning outcomes through continuous monitoring and evaluation,” he explained.
He also outlined the agency’s 2026 strategic direction, anchored on six key pillars captured in the acronym “S.C.R.I.P.T.,” with collaboration identified as a critical component.
“The ‘C’ in our strategic framework stands for Collaboration, reflecting the strong commitment of the Lagos State Government to fostering partnerships among MDAs for effective service delivery,” Ogunmuyiwa said.
As part of efforts to deepen this approach, he announced a partnership between OEQA and the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) to strengthen data-driven planning in the education sector.
“This collaboration will facilitate the registration of all school children in Lagos State, enabling us to develop targeted interventions and ensure no child is left behind,” he noted.
In her remarks, the Head of Department, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Evelyn Pelemo, emphasised that sustainable improvements in education depend on the ability of stakeholders to work together effectively.
“The future of our education sector lies not only in well-articulated policies but in our collective ability to implement them through strong collaboration,” she said.
Represented by Mr. David Ojelade, she highlighted key challenges affecting the sector, including infrastructure deficits, environmental concerns, health and safety issues, and gaps in curriculum delivery.
“These challenges are multi-dimensional and cut across various MDAs, which makes coordinated and integrated responses absolutely necessary,” she added.
Also speaking, a Deputy Director from the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Ogunyinka Funmilayo, commended the initiative, noting that it fosters inclusiveness among government agencies.
“This platform makes every MDA feel part of a larger education ecosystem, which is critical for achieving meaningful impact,” she said.
She further advocated stronger collaboration in deploying technology to improve school infrastructure and security.
“There is a need to expand ICT interventions in schools, including the deployment of high-definition cameras and other digital tools to enhance safety and learning environments,” she suggested.
The meeting reinforced the commitment of stakeholders to sustaining collaboration as a key driver of education reform in Lagos, with participants urged to provide actionable inputs and align efforts toward common goals.
“The CTC Meeting remains a vital platform for driving synergy, accountability, and sustainable improvements within the State’s education system,” Ogunmuyiwa affirmed.
