Stakeholders warn against counterfeit scientific calculators

By Emma Njoku

Nigerian authorities and stakeholders have intensified efforts to curb the circulation of counterfeit scientific calculators following the seizure of about 14,000 boxes of fake devices during a coordinated enforcement operation at Dosunmu Market in Lagos.

The operation, conducted on February 17 by the Nigeria Police Force, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Lagos State Taskforce, led to the discovery of a concealed warehouse allegedly used to distribute counterfeit scientific calculators across the country.

The seizure, one of the largest of its kind, has raised fresh concerns over the growing circulation of counterfeit educational products, particularly as students prepare for major examinations.

Education experts warned that fake scientific calculators could pose serious academic risks because they may malfunction or produce inaccurate results during examinations.

“Counterfeit devices have been found to malfunction or display incorrect functions, potentially costing students their exam scores and future opportunities,” said Koji Shinjo, General Manager, Global Education Solutions.

Industry stakeholders expressed concern that counterfeit calculators were increasingly finding their way into schools, bookshops and informal retail outlets, where they are often sold at significantly lower prices than genuine products.

While the lower prices may appear attractive to consumers, experts warned that the potential consequences could be costly, particularly for students who rely on the devices during important examinations.

Reports indicate that counterfeit calculators may produce inaccurate results, freeze during operation, drain batteries excessively or fail completely at critical moments.

Such failures could adversely affect students sitting national examinations and other academic assessments, stakeholders said.

Authorities said the latest enforcement operation should serve as a warning to individuals involved in the manufacture, importation and distribution of counterfeit educational products.

Investigations and market surveillance are expected to continue as enforcement agencies step up efforts to disrupt supply chains allegedly responsible for moving counterfeit calculators into schools and retail outlets.

Stakeholders welcomed the increased enforcement, stressing that students and schools deserved access to reliable learning tools that would support, rather than undermine, academic performance.

As part of efforts to curb the circulation of fake products, consumers can verify the authenticity of CASIO scientific calculators by scanning the QR code printed on the top of every genuine product box.

According to the guidance provided by the manufacturer, a successful verification scan displays a blue verification mark, while an alternative display or redirection indicates that the product may be counterfeit.

Consumers are therefore advised to verify the authenticity of scientific calculators before purchasing them, particularly ahead of major examinations.