Ogun government rolls out six-year textbook policy
Ogun government rolls out six-year textbook policy
The Ogun State Government has directed all schools in the state to maintain a six-year cycle before making any changes to their textbooks.
It also announced a ban on elaborate graduation parties, restricting official ceremonies to just three major academic transition stages.
The government declared that the decision was aimed at curbing the rising culture of excesses often associated with graduation parties at other levels.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, disclosed the new textbook policy in Ogun while briefing journalists on the state’s preparedness for the 2024/2025 academic session.
He explained that the directive became necessary to promote moderation and reduce the financial burden on parents.
“Graduation ceremonies should be modest and reflect true academic milestones, rather than turning into lavish social events,” he said.
He expressed concern that elaborate celebrations for nursery, kindergarten, or other non-transition classes had placed undue pressure on parents while diverting attention from the core essence of education.
In the same vein, the government directed that all schools must strictly adhere to a six-year cycle before effecting any change in textbooks.
Arigbabu said no school is permitted to alter prescribed books until such materials have been in use for at least six academic years.
He explained that the policy was introduced to ease the financial strain on parents, many of whom are compelled to buy new textbooks almost every session.
“Quality education is not determined by constant textbook changes but by effective teaching and proper utilization of available resources,” he said, warning that schools enforcing needless book changes would be sanctioned.
The commissioner emphasized that the ministry would ensure strict compliance, adding that the policy is part of the state’s broader reforms aimed at making education both affordable and impactful.
He appealed to parents, school administrators, and teachers to support the initiative, assuring them that the decision was taken in the best interest of learners and their families.
