Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a prominent figure in the New Nigeria Peoples Party, has voiced concerns about the frequent changing of textbooks in schools, noting the financial burden it places on parents and guardians. He explained that this practice, common in both private and government schools, forces families to purchase new books each term for different classes, creating significant hardship.
In a statement released on Tuesday and addressed to Minister of Education Tunji Alausa and other education stakeholders, Oguntoyinbo called for an end to the yearly replacement of textbooks. He argued that halting this practice would alleviate the financial strain on parents. The NNPP chieftain recalled that, in the past, siblings often used textbooks passed down from older brothers and sisters, highlighting the wastefulness of the current system.
Oguntoyinbo emphasized that frequent textbook changes disproportionately affect families with limited financial resources. He urged the government to intervene, appealing to the Minister of Education and state governors to stop the practice. Additionally, he suggested that both state and federal governments consider subsidizing textbook prices to make them more affordable for parents.
Nigeria’s education sector has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including funding shortfalls, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to quality educational materials. Oguntoyinbo’s concerns underscore the need for stakeholders to re‑examine the existing system and explore ways to make education more accessible and affordable for all. Addressing this issue could reduce the financial burden on parents and promote a more inclusive, equitable education system.
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