ALIMOSHO, LAGOS – The Director-General, Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), Lagos State Ministry of Education, Dr Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, has called on stakeholders in the education sector to collaborate with the government to improve learning outcomes and ensure that no child is left behind.
He made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 MUTAN-MSSN Parley, held at the State School Complex, Alimosho, on Saturday, October 24.
Dr Ogunmuyiwa urged stakeholders to adopt practical approaches that comply with government policies while addressing challenges affecting education delivery across the state.
He said although the government was working to improve the sector, individuals and relevant organisations also had a role to play in addressing existing challenges.
“The educational sector faces a plethora of challenges, and the government is working, even though there is so much work to be done. It is government’s responsibility, but we also need to do more as a people.
“We can collaborate to solve problems in our domestic environment. We can reason and proffer workable solutions. As Muslims, it is imperative on us to change narratives for the better wherever we find ourselves, and history will never forget the part we played,” he said.
The OEQA Director-General stressed the need for teachers to recognise and address the different learning needs of students, noting that a learner’s present performance should not determine their future potential.
Citing research on learning differences, he said some learners faced challenges that required specific interventions and urged teachers to give every student the necessary attention and support.
“If we are serious about our lives and nation-building, we must up our game in teaching and education delivery. Research shows that 30 per cent of learners have been marginalised in the sector because of rare learning peculiarities and differences.
“However, children who seem useless today can be useful tomorrow. Today does not define the learners in your class. So, we must strive to give our best to every student in the classroom,” he said.
Dr Ogunmuyiwa commended the organisers of the parley and expressed appreciation for the award presented to him, saying it would encourage him to do more.
The parley, themed “The Teacher We Value, The Future We Build,” was jointly organised by the Muslim Teachers Association of Nigeria (MUTAN), the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Agbado-Oke-Odo, Alimosho and Ayobo-Ipaja Area Councils, in conjunction with the League of Muslim School Proprietors (LEAMSP), which participated in the programme for the first time.
The event began with a health walk from Estate Gate Roundabout, with participants displaying placards highlighting the role of teachers. The walk ended at the venue of the parley, where participants engaged in physical exercises before the main programme.
MUTAN-MSSN Parley to strengthen teachers-students relationship
Recounting the history of the initiative, the pioneer Amir of MSSN Ayobo-Ipaja Area Council, Mr Yusuf Onanuga, said the parley was established to strengthen relations between MSSN and teachers in secondary schools.
He explained that the initiative followed disagreements between students and some teachers, prompting the need for greater cooperation in promoting students’ academic, moral, social and spiritual development.
“We started the MUTAN-MSSN Parley to bridge the gaps between MSSN and teachers in secondary schools. We had some confrontations from teachers then. Realising that we were all after the good of the students, working together was non-negotiable.
“Teachers mould lives, while MSSN strives for the academic, moral, social and spiritual development of every student. We also had an opportunity to celebrate and empower teachers. That is how we started,” he said.
Mr Onanuga said the maiden edition was held at the State School Complex, Alimosho, while the second took place at Regia Luxuria Hotel. He added that subsequent editions were held virtually after the COVID-19 pandemic.
He noted that the programme had also provided teachers with entrepreneurial skills to support their personal development.
Mr Onanuga said the theme of the 2026 edition was intended to highlight the importance of recognising teachers’ contributions to society and the development of other professions.
Education District 1 Seeks More Collaboration
The Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary of Education District 1, Mrs Idowu Olufunke Oyetola, represented by Mr Rasheed Sowemimo, called for more collaboration between education stakeholders and the district.
He said the office was open to initiatives that could improve education delivery and encouraged organisations to submit proposals for consideration and approval.
“If you have any initiative that will help foster education within the district, do not hesitate to write us. We will always be a partner to success and progress,” he said.
LEAMSP Calls for Stronger Partnership
The National President of LEAMSP, Alhaji Raheem Babatunde Fatai, called for closer collaboration between the association and MUTAN.
He said school proprietors needed timely information about activities and initiatives organised by relevant professional and educational associations to enable them to participate effectively.
“Whenever we apply for approval, we are asked about our participation in different societies, such as Ẹgbẹ́ Akómolédè, but we do not even get heads-up on the activities of the societies. How then do we participate?” he asked.
Alhaji Fatai urged MUTAN to provide LEAMSP with relevant information on time and called on MSSN to strengthen its engagement with the association.
Teachers tasked on personal development, financial well-being
The programme featured a capacity building session anchored by the proprietor of Earnest Schools, Ayobo, Mr. Ismail Ogunyomi, who spoke on “Education Beyond the Classroom.”
He urged teachers to pursue personal development and explore additional sources of income while continuing to discharge their professional responsibilities.
“Teaching is a noble profession that does not stop us from striving and making an effort to better our own condition. Allah made us teachers for a reason. Let us don it with pride.
“Who are you outside the classroom? If your salary stops, how would you survive? Are you repeating the activities of yesterday or carving out a future? Many teachers build the potentials and mould the lives of others while neglecting theirs. You plan lessons for learners, but do you plan your own personal development?” he asked.
Mr Ogunyomi advised teachers to use their professional knowledge and experience to develop online courses and educational materials for sale. He also encouraged them to consider online teaching platforms, livestock farming and crop cultivation as additional income sources.
Sharing his experience in poultry farming, he said he had been breeding chickens since the COVID-19 pandemic and encouraged teachers to consider viable business opportunities that suited their circumstances.
Health and Pension Management
A retired Director of the Lagos State Primary Health Board, Alhaja Falilat Abiodun Adigun-King, advised teachers to prioritise their health and well-being.
She urged them to monitor their blood pressure and blood sugar levels and adopt effective stress-management practices.
Alhaja Adigun-King described stress as the body’s response to different forms of pressure and warned that unmanaged stress could have unpredictable consequences.
A pension expert, Mr Kazeem Lawal, also sensitised participants on the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) operated in Lagos State.
He advised teachers to undergo data recapture to ensure their records were accurate and to minimise difficulties when accessing their pension benefits.
Mr Lawal also urged them to seek clarification on the scheme’s operations, maintaining that it was not established to short-change contributors.
MUTAN Urges Teachers to Remain Dutiful
The Missioner of MUTAN in Lagos State, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladoyin, urged teachers to remain committed to their duties and encourage more colleagues to join the association.
“Teachers should also outperform the task given them. Do your work diligently, and you will see how Allah will reward you. Moreover, let us invite more of our colleagues to join this moving train,” he said.
He prayed for continued strength and guidance for members and other participants.
The Amir of MSSN Lagos State Area Unit, Dr Yusuf Ajibola Salami, represented by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Habeeb Akorede, thanked individuals and organisations that contributed to the success of the programme.
The high point of the event was the presentation of recognition awards to some teachers for their contributions to educational development and advancement of Islam.
Carry go with this good work, more blessings