Benue seals two schools over forced textbook purchases

The Benue State Government has sealed two schools, Orenda and Opal, due to violations of its textbook policy and complaints from parents. The Education Quality Assurance and Examinations Board (BEQAEB) received petitions alleging that pupils were victimized for not purchasing textbooks directly from the schools. BEQAEB Executive Secretary, Dr. Terna Francis, led officials to the schools, where a court order authorizing the sealing was served on the proprietors before the facilities were locked.

The government policy permits parents to reuse textbooks previously purchased for older children and purchase required books from bookstores outside the schools. However, the schools allegedly insisted on direct purchases from them, contrary to the policy. Some pupils whose parents could not afford the prescribed textbooks were subjected to punitive treatment, and some parents were told to purchase new textbooks directly from the schools or withdraw their children.

Pupils were also barred from using textbooks bought outside the schools, leaving some demoralized. The board described the alleged practices as unacceptable and invited the proprietors and administrators to a meeting to resolve the complaints, but they failed to attend. The schools remain sealed until they comply with government regulations and demonstrate a commitment to protecting pupils' and parents' rights.