MBSE Hosts Strategic Communication Conference to Strengthen Public Affairs Practice in Education Sector

The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MBSE), in collaboration with Global Education Media Limited, has organised a strategic communication conference for Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) across the education sector to strengthen public engagement and enhance the visibility of government educational reforms.

The one-day conference, held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at NECA House, Central Business District, Ikeja, was themed, “Strategic Communication: Advancing the Lagos Education Agenda through Effective Public Affairs Engagement.”

The conference brought together key stakeholders, communication professionals, and Public Affairs Officers from various education agencies to explore innovative approaches to promoting government policies, programmes, and achievements in the education sector.

Delivering the keynote address, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, underscored the critical role of Public Affairs Officers in shaping public perception, fostering transparency, and ensuring the successful implementation of the state’s education agenda.

She urged participants to embrace professionalism, innovation, teamwork, and collaboration in communicating government policies and programmes effectively.

According to her, the education sector remains the third pillar of the Lagos State THEMES Plus Agenda and serves as a foundation upon which other developmental pillars depend.

In her remarks, Dokunmu-Adegbite advised Public Affairs Officers to remain proactive and dedicated to their duties in order to achieve positive outcomes within the education sector.

In his goodwill message, Mr. Adesegun Ogundeji, Director of the Public Affairs Department in the Ministry of Information and Strategy, stressed the need for stronger synergy among government communication professionals to ensure timely, accurate, and impactful information dissemination.

Ogundeji advised Public Affairs Officers to leverage both digital and traditional media platforms while building strong relationships with media practitioners and developing effective crisis management skills.

Also speaking, Mr. Durotimi Adeboye, Chief Executive Officer of Global Education Media Limited and Project Director of Lagos Schools Online, commended the ministry for its support and emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing educational challenges.

He noted that achieving quality education for every child in Lagos State requires stakeholders to work collectively rather than in isolation.

The conference featured presentations from distinguished facilitators, including Professor Tunde Musbau Akanni, whose presentation focused on strengthening collaboration and synergy among agencies under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

Another facilitator, Mr. Victor Banjo of the Lagos Business School Executive Education Department, spoke on enhancing participants’ capacity for strategic, proactive, and collaborative communication. He also highlighted emerging trends in strategic communication, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement in the public sector.

A major highlight of the conference was an interactive session during which Public Affairs Officers shared their experiences, challenges, and expectations in the discharge of their responsibilities. Participants identified greater institutional support as essential to strengthening public affairs practice and improving communication effectiveness within the education sector.