The Ogun State Government has introduced a new policy mandating that all prescribed textbooks in schools across the state must remain in use for a minimum of six academic years before any changes can be made.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, announced the directive while briefing journalists on the state’s readiness for the 2025/2026 academic session.
He explained that the measure was designed to ease the financial burden on parents who are often compelled to buy new sets of books almost every school year.
According to him, “quality education does not depend on frequent textbook changes but on effective teaching and the proper use of available resources.”
He warned that any school found guilty of unnecessary alterations in textbooks would face sanctions, stressing that the ministry would monitor compliance closely.
In addition to the textbook directive, the government also barred extravagant graduation ceremonies, stating that such celebrations should be limited to pupils completing Primary Six, Junior Secondary School Three, and Senior Secondary School Three.
Prof. Arigbabu said the move was aimed at promoting moderation and reducing the pressure on parents. He added that elaborate parties for nursery or non-transition classes had placed undue financial strain on families while distracting from the true purpose of education.
The commissioner urged parents, teachers, and school administrators to embrace the reforms, assuring them that the measures were in the best interest of learners and would help strengthen education in the state.
