Rising costs of textbooks are piling pressure on Nigerian families, as schools frequently change recommended materials, a politician has warned.
Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), said many parents are being forced to buy new books each term instead of reusing those passed down from older siblings.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, he criticised both government and private schools for what he described as an unnecessary practice that worsens the financial strain already faced by households.
“During our time, siblings used the same textbooks,” he said. “But now parents are compelled to buy new ones every term. They are groaning in pain.” Oguntoyinbo called on the Federal Ministry of Education and state authorities to act, adding that the cost of books should be reduced to ease the burden on families.
Textbook prices in Nigeria have increased significantly in recent years, primarily due to inflation and rising production costs. Education campaigners say the constant revision of school materials makes it harder for many families to keep children in school.
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