The Lagos State Government will not hesitate to close any recalcitrant private school in the state that failed to meet the basic standard required or abide by stipulated rules and regulations, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, has warned.

Adebule, who handed down the warning at a stakeholders meeting with proprietors of private schools in the state, stated that it has become imperative to strictly enforce laws guiding the operations of private schools in order to ensure high standard and orderliness in the sector.

She decried the unwholesome practices in some private schools, particularly in the conduct of external examinations, saying that many private schools encourage examination malpractices.

According to the Deputy Governor, who also supervises the State Ministry of Education, things can no longer be the same in the operation and regulation of private schools, hence the call for attitudinal change among all stakeholders.

She opined that “teachers are known for discipline, they are known for high values and moral, so government will no longer tolerate indiscipline in the operations and regulations of private schools in Lagos State.”

She expressed hope of an improved working relationship between the State Government and proprietors of private schools, adding that the present administration is more than determined not only to regulate the sector, but also take keen interest in what is going on in the industry.

The Deputy Governor also said that the Office of Education Quality Assurance in the Ministry of Education has now been split into two for efficiency and effectiveness in order to strengthen monitoring and supervisory roles of the office.

Adebule said the State Government is already working closely with the Department for International Development (DFID) to maintain high standard in the education sector, while it is also putting modalities in place to undertake a census of private schools operating in the state.

•Photo shows Lagos Deputy Governor Adebule.