The Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education has called for stronger collaboration with private tertiary institutions to improve the quality and global competitiveness of graduates produced in the state.
The call was made at the maiden stakeholders’ forum between the ministry and private tertiary institutions, held in Ikeja on Thursday, with the theme, “Effective Engagement of Private Tertiary Institutions: Collaborating for a Sustainable Future.”
Speaking at the forum, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani Sule, said the initiative marked a shift from transactional engagement to strategic partnership between the government and private institutions.
Sule said the forum was convened in recognition of the critical role private institutions play in building a responsive, innovative, inclusive and sustainable tertiary education sector in the state.
“Lagos State remains the educational hub of Nigeria and one of the fastest-growing knowledge centres on the African continent. Our population dynamics, economic aspirations and global outlook demand a tertiary education system that is responsive, innovative, inclusive and sustainable,” he said.
“Private tertiary institutions play a critical role in this ecosystem. They complement government-owned institutions, expand access, introduce innovation and respond swiftly to emerging skills and labour market needs.
“This forum therefore acknowledges a simple but powerful truth: we cannot achieve excellence in tertiary education without strong and strategic engagement with private institutions.”
According to Sule, in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs in the ministry, Mamud Hassan, the future of Lagos as a global knowledge hub depends on breaking down silos between public and private education providers.
He stressed the indispensable role of private tertiary institutions in driving innovative approaches to teaching and learning, embracing technology, improving quality and aligning programmes with global and industry standards.
“Our vision for tertiary education is clear: institutions that produce globally competitive graduates, drive research and innovation, and contribute meaningfully to social and economic development.
“Private tertiary institutions are key partners in achieving this vision. Whether through curriculum relevance, industry alignment, digital learning or skills development, your role in shaping the workforce of today and tomorrow is indispensable.
“Through this forum, we seek to align policy direction with institutional realities, ensuring that growth is not just rapid, but sustainable and impactful,” he said.
The commissioner identified key areas of collaboration with private institutions to include funding models, infrastructure development, staff capacity building, student welfare and employability outcomes.
He stressed that all stakeholders must be driven by the imperative of delivering quality tertiary education.
“As we deliberate today, our focus must remain firmly on quality. Access without quality does a disservice to students and society. Sustainability without standards is unsustainable,” Sule said.
“We must therefore explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning, embracing technology, strengthening faculty development, encouraging research, and aligning programmes with global and industry standards.
“Our goal is simple: to position Lagos State as a destination for quality tertiary education, where public and private institutions alike meet benchmarks that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global best practices.”
Sule added that the forum was designed to promote dialogue, trust and shared responsibility, with a focus on aligning policy direction with institutional realities to ensure sustainable growth and improved learning outcomes.
“While government retains its responsibility to set standards and ensure quality assurance, we are equally committed to fostering a collaborative environment where private institutions are supported to thrive, innovate and uphold excellence,” he said.
