The Lagos State Government has undergone a restructuring and renaming process for the Ministry of Education and some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to enhance performance and improve service delivery. This announcement was made by the Head of Service (HOS), Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola, in a circular issued on Thursday in Lagos.
The changes involve the following entities: The Ministry of Education will now be referred to as the Ministry of Basic Education. It will be responsible for policy formulation and evaluation in matters pertaining to education, as well as the supervision of pre-primary and primary education within Lagos State, except for staff affairs. Additionally, the Ministry of Basic Education will oversee policy, supervision, and management of secondary schools in the state, with the exception of staff matters. The ministry’s responsibilities will also encompass the approval, regulation, and monitoring of private pre-primary, primary, post-primary, vocational, and technical institutions, among other tasks.
The ‘Office of the Special Adviser on Education’ has been elevated to the status of a full-fledged Ministry, now known as the “Ministry of Tertiary Education.” This new ministry will be tasked with the supervision, monitoring, and investigation of tertiary education matters, among other responsibilities.
Furthermore, the ‘Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs’ will revert to its former name used before Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration, becoming the ‘Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development,’ with a dedicated ‘Office of Rural Development.’
In a move to enhance the Office of Civic Engagement’s performance, the ‘Political and Legislative Bureau’ has been reintroduced under its purview. While the Office of Civic Engagement will continue its existing functions, the Political and Legislative Bureau will handle political and legislative matters concerning the Executive and Legislative arms of the government. Its role will involve facilitating political engagements and inclusion, advising the governor on political and legislative issues, and fostering a harmonious relationship between the legislature and executive branches. Additionally, the PLB will ensure political intelligence and mobilize support for State Government Executive Bills during Public Hearings at the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Lastly, the Central Internal Audit Department will be renamed as the Office of Internal Audit.
