Anambra bans writing of assignments in textbooks, graduation parties

By Aloysius Attah, Onitsha

The Anambra State Government has banned the practice of writing assignments inside textbooks, describing it as wasteful and unsustainable.

It was gathered that the ban was aimed at making textbooks reusable, especially for younger siblings of pupils who would need them when they advance to the next class.

According to a statement released by the state Ministry of Education on Friday, August 29, the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, was quoted as announcing the ban while addressing participants on the third day of a capacity-building workshop organised by the ministry for private school proprietors and teachers at St. John of God Secondary School, Awka.

Chuma-Udeh also stressed the need for textbooks to be inclusive, reflecting diversity, equality, and the needs of all learners.

According to the commissioner, the initiative is part of the state government’s strategy to ease financial pressure on families while promoting quality and sustainable education.

She said, “The decision is aimed at making textbooks reusable, especially for younger siblings of pupils who would need them when they advance to the next class.

“There is also the need for textbooks to be inclusive, reflecting diversity, equality, and the needs of all learners.

“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.”

Similarly, the state government also vowed a total clampdown on incessant and unnecessary graduation parties in schools, especially for nursery and primary classes.

Chuma-Udeh said the move became imperative following calls from parents who are weighed down by the financial burden incurred during such parties.

She called for strict compliance with the directive, warning that the state would not turn a blind eye to defaulters.

She stated, “It has come to the notice of the state government that graduation parties have turned out to be an avenue for financial exploitation by some school owners, and the government can no longer keep quiet over the issue.

“Teaching and running a school is a divine call and should not be mortgaged for financial gains.

“Indulging in such runs contrary to the mission and vision of the government as regards making education accessible and equitable for Anambra state school students.”