Kogi Government Bans Mandatory Purchase of Customized Textbooks, Notebooks in Schools
Kogi Government Bans Mandatory Purchase of Customized Textbooks, Notebooks in Schools
The Kogi State Government has announced a ban on the compulsory purchase of customized textbooks and notebooks in both public and private schools across the state.
The directive was issued by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, during a stakeholders’ meeting with school owners, principals, and education administrators in Lokoja.
According to the commissioner, while the use of customized textbooks and notebooks is not entirely outlawed, schools must ensure that such materials are sold at prevailing market prices.
Parents, he stressed, should not be compelled to purchase them directly from the schools.
“The era of forcing parents to buy overpriced customized books and notebooks is over. Any school found violating this directive will face strict sanctions,” the commissioner warned.
The government explained that the decision was taken following complaints from parents and guardians over the rising cost of education, particularly the practice of making customized learning materials compulsory, often at inflated rates.
Officials noted that the ban is part of broader reforms aimed at making education in Kogi State more affordable and accessible, while also curbing exploitative practices in the school system.
The state government has urged parents to report any schools that continue to impose compulsory customized materials, assuring that enforcement teams will be monitoring compliance when the new academic session begins.
