Lagos Mother's Advocacy Prompts School Rights Review

A mother's determination to protect her children's right to education is shining a spotlight on student protections in Lagos schools.

Muibat Owoeye refused to stay silent after her two children, ages two and six, were abruptly removed from Troika Multilingual School in Lekki on January 12. The children had attended classes that morning before Owoeye received notice of their immediate withdrawal.

What happened next shows the power of speaking up. Owoeye shared her story on social media, filed a formal petition with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, and engaged legal counsel to protect her children's rights.

"Education should never be used as leverage, and children should never be made to bear the consequences of disputes that have nothing to do with them," Owoeye wrote, emphasizing that her children were not accused of any misconduct and school fees had been fully paid.

The response demonstrated that accountability systems work. The Lagos State Ministry of Education confirmed it launched an investigation through its private schools oversight department.

Deputy Director of Public Affairs Kayode Sutton explained that if schools violate regulatory guidelines, the state government has authority to impose sanctions. "We have a department that deals with private schools," he said, noting the investigation had already begun.

The Ripple Effect

Owoeye's advocacy represents a growing movement of parents demanding transparency and due process in Nigerian education. Her decision to speak publicly wasn't about revenge but about preventing similar situations for other families.

The case highlights important protections already in place. Licensed private schools in Lagos operate under regulatory frameworks requiring professionalism, due process, and commitment to children's best interests. When those standards aren't met, parents have clear channels for recourse.

Education stakeholders across Lagos State are paying attention to cases like this, strengthening oversight and accountability measures. The government's swift response to Owoeye's petition shows these systems can work when parents know how to access them.

By sharing her experience, Owoeye created a roadmap for other parents facing similar challenges. Her message was clear: "Children deserve care, fairness, and protection. Parents deserve transparency and respect, while schools deserve oversight and accountability."

Her courage to advocate publicly is helping ensure all children in Lagos can access education without being caught in adult disputes.