Lagos state MDAs undergo restructuring

The Lagos State Government has undertaken a comprehensive restructuring and renaming of the Ministry of Education and some of its related Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to enhance performance and improve service delivery.

According to a circular issued by the Head of Service (HOS), Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the affected entities include the Ministry of Education, the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, the Office of Civic Engagement, and the Central Internal Audit Department.

The former Ministry of Education will now be known as the Ministry of Basic Education, and its primary responsibility will be formulating and evaluating policies pertaining to education matters. The Ministry will also oversee pre-primary and primary education in Lagos State, excluding staff-related matters, as well as the policy, supervision, and management of secondary schools, again excluding staff affairs.

The Office of the Special Adviser on Education has been elevated to a full-fledged Ministry named the “Ministry of Tertiary Education.” This new Ministry will be responsible for supervising, monitoring, and investigating tertiary education matters.

Moreover, the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs will revert to its previous name, the “Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development,” with an established “Office of Rural Development.”

In addition, the “Political and Legislative Bureau” has been reintroduced under the “Office of Civic Engagement” to enhance its performance. While the functions of the Office of Civic Engagement remain unchanged, the Political and Legislative Bureau will handle political and legislative issues related to the Executive and Legislative arms. It will also ensure political engagements and inclusion, offer advice to the governor on political and legislative matters, and create a conducive atmosphere for a harmonious relationship between the two arms of government.

Lastly, the Central Internal Audit Department will now be known as the “Office of Internal Audit.” These changes aim to streamline operations, boost efficiency, and ensure more effective governance in Lagos State.