The Anambra State government has banned the use of textbooks in writing assignments, describing it as wasteful and unsustainable.
The ban aimed to make textbooks reusable, especially for younger siblings of pupils who would need them when they advanced to the next class.
According to a statement released by the State’s Ministry of Education on Friday, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, was quoted as announcing the ban while addressing participants on the third day of a capacity building workshop organised by the ministry for private school proprietors and teachers at St. John of God Secondary School, Awka.
She stressed the need for textbooks to be inclusive and reflect diversity, equality, and the needs of all learners.
According to the commissioner, the initiative was part of the state government’s strategy to ease financial pressure on families while promoting quality and sustainable education.
“The decision is aimed at making textbooks reusable, especially for younger siblings of pupils who would need them when they advance to the next class.
“There is also the need for textbooks to be inclusive, reflecting diversity, equality, and the needs of all learners.
“The government would not tolerate non-compliance with the directive, parents, teachers, and school administrators are urged to ensure strict adherence.
“We also encourage stakeholders to report cases of defaulters to the Ministry of Education,” she said.
The state government also vowed to clamp down on incessant and unnecessary school graduation parties, especially for nursery and primary classes.
Chuma-Udeh said the move became imperative following calls from parents who are weighed down by financial burden incurred during such parties.
She called for strict compliance with the directive, warning that the state would not turn a blind eye to defaulters
She stated, “It has come to the notice of the state government that graduation parties have turned out to be avenue for financial exploitation by some school owners and the government can no longer keep quiet over the issue.
“Teaching and running a school is a divine call and should not be mortgaged for financial gains.
“Indulging in such runs contrarily to the mission and vision of the government as regards making education accessible and equitable for Anambra state age school students.”
