Benue seals two schools over forced textbook purchases

The Benue State Government has sealed two schools, Orenda and Opal, due to alleged violations of its textbook policy and complaints of pupils being victimized for not purchasing prescribed books directly from the schools. This decision came after petitions from parents and the school proprietor's refusal to address the complaints.

The Education Quality Assurance and Examinations Board (BEQAEB) led officials to the schools, serving a court order to seal the premises. BEQAEB's policy permits parents to reuse textbooks previously bought for older children and purchase required books from bookstores outside the schools. However, the schools allegedly insisted on direct purchases from them, contradicting the policy.

Some pupils, whose parents could not afford the prescribed textbooks, faced punitive treatment, including unmarked homework. Parents who bought books from external vendors were told to either purchase new textbooks directly from the schools or withdraw their children and enrol them elsewhere. Pupils were also barred from using textbooks bought outside the schools, causing demoralization.

The board accused the schools of violating the law and undermining learners' rights and families' interests. The schools' proprietor, Onyinye Okoye, and staff reportedly attacked the officials and destroyed an official vehicle. The board condemned this violence and urged parents to submit formal petitions to BEQAEB if they face similar issues.

The schools will remain sealed until the proprietors and administrators comply with government regulations and protect pupils' rights.