The Anambra State Government has taken a strong stance against the extortion of parents by banning the practice of writing assignments directly inside textbooks and prohibiting lavish school parties. The directive, announced by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, aims to ease the financial burden on families and promote a more sustainable and inclusive educational environment.
Writing assignments inside textbooks, a common practice that renders books unusable for younger siblings or future students, has been described as wasteful and unsustainable by the government. This move encourages the reuse of textbooks, preventing unnecessary expenses on new books each academic year. The policy also seeks to foster textbooks that reflect diversity, equality, and meet the needs of all learners.
In addition to the textbook assignment ban, the government is targeting extravagant school parties that often strain parents financially. This comprehensive approach reflects the administration’s commitment to protecting parents from undue financial pressure and ensuring education remains accessible.
The government has urged schools, parents, and education stakeholders to comply strictly with the new directives and to report any defaulters to the Ministry of Education. Non-compliance will not be tolerated as part of the broader strategy to enhance the quality of education while remaining cost-effective for families.
This bold policy move by Anambra stands as an important precedent for addressing education-related financial challenges and improving sustainability in the school system.