Aluko Mercy, Olanipekun Stephen
Amid sweeping reforms in the education sector aimed at enhancing quality learning and stability in schools, recently announced in Edo and Imo states, many Nigerians have expressed support for the development.
Public affairs analyst, Dr. Afeez Tosin Suleiman, who was a guest speaker on Oro Ton Lo programme on Royal FM Ilorin, said the government’s actions will not only curb the exploitation of parents through unnecessary levies and fees but also improve accountability within the school system.
“They’ve turned textbooks into income,” Dr. Suleiman said. “It leads to wastage. These books can’t be reused and don’t even get fully used before the term ends.”
While commending the Edo State government for approving the reuse of textbooks as long as they remain on the official list, Dr. Suleiman noted that many of these books are often only available in schools and not in bookshops a situation that has turned textbook sales into a money-making side business for some teachers and school administrators.
He further called for stronger government regulation and closer monitoring of private schools in Nigeria, urging them to adopt sustainable policies and reduce unnecessary expenses for parents.
Dr Suleiman, however, referenced a culture of handing down textbooks by older students to younger ones, and encouraged the tradition to be continued, as it cuts cost and reduces overall spending of parents.
