ANAMBRA REAFFIRMS BAN ON UNAPPROVED TEXTBOOKS, COMPULSORY SCHOOL LEVIES. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE

 Anambra Reaffirms Ban on Unapproved Textbooks, Compulsory School Levies

By MaryAnn Chukwuma

 The Anambra State Government has directed schools not to change prescribed textbooks without the approval of the Ministry of Education and reaffirmed the ban on compulsory graduation ceremonies and levies imposed on parents.

The directives are contained in a circular dated July 15, issued by the Ministry of Education and signed by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua.

According to the circular, schools are prohibited from replacing approved textbooks without prior approval from the ministry to ensure uniformity in learning materials across educational institutions.

The ministry also directed schools not to prescribe textbooks containing printed assignments, exercises or activities that render them unusable by other learners, saying the measure is intended to encourage the reuse of books and reduce the financial burden on parents.

It said the policy was designed to promote prudent educational administration, improve access to learning materials and eliminate unnecessary costs associated with frequent textbook replacements.

The circular further reiterated that nursery, primary and junior secondary schools must not organise graduation ceremonies, while Senior Secondary School Three students must not be compelled to pay graduation levies or other related mandatory charges.

It also prohibited schools from compelling parents or guardians to purchase special uniforms, costumes, souvenirs, decorations or other materials associated with graduation ceremonies, adding that compulsory contributions for end-of-year parties, Christmas celebrations and similar events remained banned.

The ministry directed Education Secretaries, Area and Zonal Education Officers, principals, head teachers, proprietors and proprietresses of public, mission and private schools to ensure immediate compliance, warning that violators would face appropriate administrative sanctions. 

It said the directives took immediate effect as part of efforts to promote affordable, equitable and quality education while protecting parents from unnecessary financial burdens.