By Damiete Braide
Proprietress, Meavic School, Lagos, Mrs. Ngozi Obiefuna, has said that private schools in Lagos play zzzcrucial role in shaping the state’s educational landscape.
Obiefuna disclosed that they are complementing public schools by providing innovative teaching methods, smaller class sizes, and modern digital learning tools to boost education delivery.
Said she: “Despite facing challenges such as high operational costs and government regulations, they continue to drive quality education and prepare students for a technology-driven future.
According to Obiefuna, private schools mission is to offer a balanced education that integrates academics with life skills, entrepreneurship, and digital proficiency. ” The proprietor said they alsi adopt blended learning, STEM programmes, project-based teaching, equipping students with critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for success in today’s world.
“Education in Lagos is evolving but challenges like overcrowded public schools, teacher shortages, and outdated curricula remains a challenge.
“Private schools stepped in to bridge these gaps by investing in modern teaching tools, ensuring personalized learning, and providing specialized programmes like coding, robotics, and financial literacy.
” One of the major contributions of private schools is their commitment to maintaining high academic standards. This is achieved through well-trained educators, continuous assessments, and extracurricular activities that nurture creativity, leadership, and teamwork. Schools like Meavic also prioritize student well-being, implementing safety measures such as CCTV surveillance, trained security personnel, and strict anti-bullying policies,” Obiefuna stated.
She revealed that running a private school in Lagos comes with significant hurdles, high operational costs, including staff salaries, infrastructure maintenance, and digital resources place a financial strain on schools.
Additionally, fluctuating government policies, licensing requirements, and taxation creates uncertainties for private school owners.
She added: “Teacher retention is another challenge, as skilled educators are in high demand. We address this by investing in teacher training programs and offering competitive incentives to retain top talent.”
Obiefuna further argued that economic constraints also affect parents’ ability to afford quality education thus some private schools adopt flexible payment structures, scholarships, and financial aid programmes to support students from diverse backgrounds.
” One pressing issue in the education sector is the rising cost of schooling in Lagos. While it reflects the increasing demand for quality education, schools like Meavic strive to balance affordability and excellence by leveraging cost-effective digital tools and structured financial planning.
” Private schools play a crucial role in shaping the future of education by fostering innovation, bridging gaps in public education, and preparing students for global opportunities. As they navigate operational challenges, their continued investment in modern learning approaches and student development remains vital to the progress of the education sector in Nigeria,” she stressed.