- Safiu Kehinde
The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has weighed in on the controversial English Language textbook for Nursery school pupils, disclosing that the textbook was not approved for use in the state.
This is coming under the heels of a video made by a woman, Mrs. Udoka, who called out the author of the book, Ayengbe Ebhohimen, over a disturbing and inappropriate content found in the textbook.
Udoka had faulted the content which is a comprehensive passage containing a story about how a man tortured his dog with hot iron over a stolen steak of meat.
Days after making the video, the mother of two would in a separate video posted on X last week raised alarm over alleged threat to her life as she disclosed receiving threatening calls with police interrogating those linked to her over the video.
Reacting in a statement issued on Thursday by its Direct of Public Affairs, Basirat Lawal, the Lagos education ministry confirmed being aware of Udoka’s viral video raising concern over the alleged inappropriate content found in the textbook.
Lawal disclosed that the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, had ordered investigation into the development with the findings revealing that the book was not approved for public use.
“According to a statement issued by the Ministry, findings confirm that the textbook in question is not among the books reviewed, approved, or recommended by the Lagos State Government for use in public or approved private primary schools in the State.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the school featured in the video is located somewhere in Ojo Local Government, Lagos State.
“It stated unequivocally that the said textbook is not among the approved and recommended instructional materials authorised for use in public or approved private schools across the State.” The statement partly read.
Lawal further disclosed that the name of the school and publisher have been identified for further investigation and appropriate actions.
She assured the public of qualitative foundational education for children in the state.
The Ministry, according to her, maintains a strict policy on the selection and approval of educational materials to ensure that all learning resources are age-appropriate, morally sound, and align with the educational standards and values of the State.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, reiterated that only government-approved textbooks and instructional materials are permitted for use in schools in Lagos State.
School administrators, proprietors, and teachers were again advised to adhere strictly to these guidelines to safeguard the moral and academic development of our learners.
Dokunmu-Adegbite urged members of the public to remain calm as the State Government remains committed to providing a safe, conducive, and value-driven learning environment for all pupils and students.