States Move to End Textbook Extortion, Costly School Traditions
Across Nigeria, schools officially reopened on September 15th, but beyond the excitement of fresh uniforms and sharpened pencils, there’s a bigger conversation shaking the education sector: the crackdown on textbook extortion and unnecessary school expenses.
From Benue to Ondo, state governments are saying “enough is enough.” In Benue, schools must now ditch customized books so seniors can pass them down. Edo and Imo have also insisted that approved textbooks must remain valid for at least four years. Anambra banned writing homework directly in textbooks, while Ondo outlawed compulsory purchase of new books every year and scrapped costly graduation ceremonies.
The message is clear: education shouldn’t be an endless drain on parents’ wallets. For years, families have groaned under the burden of buying the same books multiple times, paying for “traditions” disguised as ceremonies, and coughing out money for unnecessary extras. With inflation biting harder than ever, these reforms are a much-needed relief.
But here’s the catch: Nigeria is never short of policies, the real question is — will schools comply, and will governments enforce? Parents, the media, and civil society must stay alert to make sure these new rules don’t die as empty promises.
For Naija families, this fight is about more than books or ceremonies; it’s about making quality education affordable again.
Do you think schools will truly obey these bans, or will they find new ways to squeeze parents? Join the conversation and subscribe to Update Villa for more updates.
