Dare Babalola
The Anambra State Government has introduced a ban on writing assignments in textbooks, deeming the practice wasteful and unsustainable.
According to the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, the ban aims to make textbooks reusable, particularly for younger siblings of pupils who will need them in subsequent classes.
The directive is part of the government’s strategy to ease financial pressure on families while promoting quality and sustainable education.
Chuma-Udeh emphasised the need for textbooks to be inclusive, reflecting diversity, equality, and the needs of all learners. The government has warned that it will not tolerate non-compliance and urged stakeholders to report defaulters to the Ministry of Education.
She said, “The government would not tolerate non-compliance with the directive, parents, teachers, and school administrators are urged to ensure strict adherence.
“We also encouraged stakeholders to report cases of defaulters to the Ministry of Education.”
In a related development, the state government has vowed to clamp down on unnecessary graduation parties in schools, especially for nursery and primary classes.
Chuma-Udeh noted that the move is in response to parents’ complaints about the financial burden associated with such parties. The government has called for strict compliance with the directive, warning that it will not turn a blind eye to defaulters.
The Commissioner stressed that teaching and running a school is a divine calling and should not be driven by financial gains.
