The Anambra State Government has taken a decisive step to shield parents from what it described as “financial exploitation” in schools by banning the practice of writing assignments in textbooks and halting unnecessary graduation parties at nursery and primary school levels.
Announcing the policy on Friday in Awka, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, said the measures are part of Governor Charles Soludo’s administration’s commitment to making education accessible, equitable, and less burdensome for families.
The commissioner spoke during a capacity-building workshop for private school proprietors and teachers at St. John of God Secondary School, Awka. She explained that students would henceforth be required to use exercise books for assignments, leaving textbooks reusable for younger siblings and reducing costs for parents.
“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,” she stated.
“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 this directive.”
Chuma-Udeh urged parents, teachers, and school administrators to strictly adhere to the new policy and encouraged stakeholders to report violators to the Ministry of Education.
On the issue of flamboyant graduation parties in lower classes, the commissioner expressed concern that the ceremonies have become avenues for exploitation.
“It has come to the notice of the state government that graduation parties have turned into platforms for financial exploitation by some school owners, and the government can no longer keep quiet,” she said.
“Teaching and running a school is a divine call and should not be mortgaged for financial gains. Indulging in such practices contradicts the mission and vision of the government in making education accessible and equitable.”
The clampdown follows repeated complaints from parents who decried the rising costs associated with school activities, which many argued had become unsustainable amid the current economic hardship.
The directives, according to the Education Ministry, would be strictly enforced, with erring schools facing sanctions.
Observers see the policy as a bold move to reposition Anambra’s education sector, balancing quality learning with fairness and affordability for families across the state.
