The Lagos State Government has commenced a four-day workshop to validate and disseminate key education planning documents aimed at strengthening policy implementation, improving resource allocation and enhancing learning outcomes across the state.
The workshop, organised by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), began on Tuesday, October 20, and will end on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Watercress Hotels, Ikeja.
The exercise brings together education stakeholders to review and harmonise the Lagos State Education Sector Plan (SESP), State Education Sector Operational Plan (SESOP) and Local Education Sector Operational Plan (LESOP), ensuring that the documents reflect the state’s educational priorities and provide practical frameworks for implementation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Adedeji Alli-Balogun, emphasised the importance of strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration and collective commitment to achieving the state’s education goals.
He explained that the documents would guide planning, resource allocation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation across the education sector. He also urged relevant institutions and stakeholders to take ownership of the plans and work together to ensure their effective implementation.
Alli-Balogun appreciated UNICEF and NIEPA for their continued partnership in strengthening education planning and improving educational outcomes in Lagos State.
“I sincerely appreciate UNICEF and NIEPA for their collaboration and continued commitment to strengthening education planning and improving educational outcomes in Lagos State. These documents must go beyond planning. They must serve as practical instruments for action, accountability and measurable improvements in our schools,” he said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, urged participants to make productive use of the four-day workshop and contribute meaningfully to the review process.
She expressed optimism that the deliberations would produce practical and implementable plans capable of advancing an inclusive, equitable and high-quality education system across the state.
Participants included the Registrar of the Lagos State Examinations Board, Mr. Adebayo Oransolu; representatives of UNICEF, led by Mr. Adebayo Ibrahim; and NIEPA representatives, led by Dr. Lara Ogunsola.
Other participants included representatives of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, the Office of Education Quality Assurance, the Ministry of Tertiary Education, the Ministry of Finance, education districts, education secretaries across the state and other relevant stakeholders.
During their contributions, participants highlighted the importance of evidence-based decision-making, coordinated planning and shared responsibility in addressing challenges within the education sector and improving learning outcomes.
Technical sessions commenced immediately after the opening ceremony, with stakeholders examining the proposed documents, identifying gaps, making recommendations and building consensus on key priorities and implementation strategies.
The workshop is expected to conclude with the validation and dissemination of the documents, subject to the necessary approvals, while promoting a common understanding among stakeholders on their adoption and implementation.
The initiative reflects the Lagos State Government’s commitment to strengthening education governance, ensuring effective utilisation of resources and establishing a coordinated, sustainable and results-oriented framework for delivering educational policies and programmes.
The ministry reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration among government agencies, development partners and other stakeholders in achieving the state’s vision of an inclusive, responsive and quality education system that meets learners’ needs and supports broader development objectives.
