{
  "id": 13039318,
  "title": "Benue govt seals two schools over textbook policy violations",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/benue-govt-seals-two-schools-over-textbook-policy-violations",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-09T05:41:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/09/benue-govt-seals-two-schools-over-textbook-policy-violations/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Benue Education Quality Assurance and Examinations Board (BEQAEB) has sealed two schools, Orenda and Opal, due to alleged violations of textbook policies and maltreatment of learners. Executed by the Board's Executive Secretary, Dr Terna Francis and officials from the Directorate of Enforcement and Compliance, the closure followed a court order authorizing the school's shutdown. The BEQAEB's policy allows parents to reuse suitable textbooks for their younger siblings or purchase from independent bookstores instead of being compelled to buy directly from schools. The sealed schools allegedly disregarded these provisions by insisting parents purchase textbooks exclusively from the schools. Some parents claim their children were punished for lacking required textbooks and were denied the use of bought books. The schools reportedly prevented pupils from bringing their own textbooks into classrooms. BEQAEB expressed disappointment at the schools' disregard for government directives and the welfare of learners. The Board also alleged that the school's proprietor, Onyinye Okoye, and staff members attacked officials and destroyed an official vehicle during a meeting. Following the assault, BEQAEB called for a peaceful resolution of disputes and urged parents to report similar cases to the Board. Orenda and Opal Schools remain sealed until the proprietors and administrators comply with government policies and respect court orders.",
  "summary": "The Benue Education Quality Assurance and Examinations Board, BEQAEB, has sealed Orenda and Opal Schools over alleged maltreatment of learners and non-compliance with the Benue State Government’s policy regulating textbook purchases and reuse. The enforcement exercise was led by the Board’s Executive Secretary, Dr Terna Francis, alongside officials from its Directorate of Enforcement and…",
  "key_points": [
    "Benue schools Orenda and Opal sealed for textbook policy violations",
    "Parents can reuse or buy textbooks from independent bookstores",
    "School proprietor and staff attacked officials, destroyed vehicle"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The shutdown of the two schools signals a stricter enforcement of education regulations, empowering parents with textbook choices and protecting learners from maltreatment, while also holding schools accountable for compliance.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}