Benue
Textbook Policy: Parents’ Costs, Pupils’ Welfare in Focus
The Benue textbook policy has come under scrutiny following the sealing of two schools in Makurdi over allegations that parents were compelled to purchase prescribed textbooks directly from the institutions. The development has sparked renewed concerns about the rising cost of education, parental choice and the need to protect pupils from being disadvantaged by financial disagreements.
The affected schools, Orenda and Opal Schools, were sealed by the Benue Education Quality Assurance and Examinations Board (BEQAEB) following complaints from parents. The board’s Executive Secretary, Dr Terna Francis, said the schools allegedly prevented pupils from using approved textbooks purchased from other bookstores or reused from older siblings. According to the board, the enforcement action followed a court order authorising the closure of the school premises.
At the heart of the controversy is the state’s policy allowing parents to purchase prescribed textbooks from vendors of their choice and reuse suitable books previously bought for older children. The policy is intended to ease the financial burden on families, particularly those with several school-age children who must also pay for school fees, uniforms, transportation and other learning materials.
The board further alleged that some pupils whose parents could not afford textbooks sold by the schools were subjected to unfair treatment, including having their homework left unmarked. It also claimed that some parents were asked to purchase books directly from the schools or withdraw their children. These allegations, however, remain claims made by the regulatory authority and should be considered alongside any response from the affected school managements.
Francis stated that the board had invited the schools’ proprietor and administrators to a meeting to address the complaints, but they failed to attend. He said the board subsequently approached the court through the Benue State Attorney-General and obtained an order authorising the sealing of the premises. The board also alleged that its officials were verbally assaulted during the enforcement exercise and that an official vehicle was damaged. It maintained that the schools would remain sealed until the required conditions were met.
The controversy highlights a broader challenge facing Nigeria’s education sector: balancing school standards with the financial realities of parents. While schools need appropriate learning materials to deliver quality education, families also need reasonable purchasing options and transparent policies. BEQAEB has urged parents to report alleged violations through formal petitions. As the matter develops, the priority should be a fair resolution that respects applicable regulations while safeguarding pupils’ access to education.
