Formulating, implementing and regulating educational policies and programmes for the State, in accordance with its goals and needs and in consonance with the National Policy on Education.

Overseeing the general administration of the basic and secondary school system across the 25 local government areas, through headquarters in Asaba and a field office in every LGA.

Provision of early childhood, primary and secondary and technical education for young people, free and compulsory for every child of school age irrespective of religion, sex, culture or disability.

Basic literacy and life-skill education for adult learners who missed the opportunity of schooling as children.

Inspection of public and approved private schools against defined standards, including unannounced visits, and the enforcement of the approved schedule of fees and levies.

Approval, registration and monitoring of private schools in the State, and the publication of the approved list.