The Lagos State Government has commenced plans to develop a harmonised academic calendar for the 2026/2027 school session through the Office of Education Quality Assurance.
Eko Hot News reports that the move is aimed at strengthening collaboration among education stakeholders and ensuring a more structured academic system across the state.
The development was announced at a preliminary stakeholders’ meeting held at the NUT Pavilion. The gathering brought together key players in the education sector.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, emphasised the importance of accountability and synergy.
He noted that the proposed calendar would be binding on all public and private primary and secondary schools. It will outline instructional days, holidays, and examination periods.
According to him, the initiative is designed to ensure uniformity across schools. He added that inclusiveness is vital to achieving sustainable progress in education.
The Permanent Secretary, Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, highlighted the importance of a unified calendar.
Represented by the Director of Basic Education, Oluwatoyin Oyedele, she explained that the system supports continuity and effective planning.
She urged stakeholders to contribute practical and solution-driven ideas. Their input, she said, is key to building a workable and efficient calendar.
Also speaking, the Director-General of OEQA, Sulaimon Olagoke Ogunmuyiwa, stressed the need for strict compliance.
He warned that inconsistencies could affect quality assurance efforts. He added that monitoring mechanisms would be strengthened to ensure adherence.
Ogunmuyiwa reaffirmed OEQA’s commitment to improved service delivery. He referenced the agency’s S.C.R.I.P.T.S framework, which focuses on key operational areas.
He also shared the agency’s long-term vision. According to him, OEQA aims to become a leading education quality assurance body in Africa and globally.
Earlier, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Evelyn Pelemo, described the meeting as the foundation stage of the process.
She explained that the goal is to gather input and address emerging challenges in the sector. This will help in developing practical options for the academic session.
Pelemo added that the process ensures the final calendar is realistic and widely accepted. Stakeholder involvement remains central to its success.
The Head of Policy, Planning and Training, David Ojelade, presented the development framework.
He described the academic calendar as a critical tool for coordination and efficiency. It helps ensure order within the education system.
Ojelade highlighted key policy guidelines. These include minimum instructional days, structured term timelines, public holidays, and final validation.
Stakeholders at the meeting commended the initiative. They noted that a harmonised calendar would improve planning for schools, teachers, and parents.
Participants included representatives from Nigeria Union of Teachers and Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board.
Others present were the Association of Providers of Education in Nigeria, All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools, and Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria.
Observers believe the initiative will create a seamless learning experience. It is expected to enhance coordination across the education system.
As the process continues, stakeholders are expected to remain actively engaged. Their contributions will shape the final academic calendar.
The move reflects Lagos State’s commitment to improving education standards. It also reinforces efforts to build a more efficient and structured learning environment.
