The Lagos State Government has bought the immediate withdrawal of a controversial Nursery 2 English textbook that just recently triggered widespread outrage on social networks over supposed inappropriate material, insisting that the publication was never authorized for use in public schools across the state.
The explanation was made by the Lagos State Ministry of Fundamental and Secondary Education following the blood circulation of a viral video raising concerns about the content of English Structure for Nursery Schools, Volume 2, authored by Ayengbe J.B.E. and released by JN Publishing & Marketing Business.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Public Affairs in the ministry, Mrs. Basirat Lawal, the government stated that the textbook, supposedly bought from a school in Ojo City government Location as part of recommended training materials, was not amongst the books approved by the state government for usage in public schools.
According to the ministry, it immediately commenced an evaluation of the issues upon becoming conscious of the problem and launched an investigation to identify how the book was dispersed and introduced into schools.
As part of the examination, the ministry directed its Legal Unit to engage all relevant stakeholders and guarantee that due procedure was followed in attending to the matter.
The state government also attended to reports alleging that the parent who brought spotlight to the questionable content had undergone intimidation and victimisation.
The ministry kept that parents and other stakeholders have a fundamental right to raise real issues regarding educational materials and the well-being of children without worry of harassment or reprisals.
“Every parent and stakeholder has the right to raise real concerns relating to the education and well-being of kids without fear of harassment, intimidation or victimisation,” the statement read.
Following discussions with the author and publisher, the Lagos State Government directed that all copies of the textbook dispersed to schools within the state be withdrawn immediately.
The ministry disclosed that the author complied with the regulation and subsequently submitted an official written apology, acknowledging the concerns raised and admitting the need for higher diligence in the advancement, review and circulation of academic products intended for young learners.
According to the federal government, the matter has actually been sufficiently resolved, with restorative steps currently executed and the publication gotten rid of from circulation in the affected schools.
Reaffirming its commitment to quality education, the ministry stated it would continue to reinforce tracking, examination and quality control mechanisms to ensure that just authorized and age-appropriate educational materials are utilized in schools across Lagos State.
The government likewise commended moms and dads, teachers, school administrators and members of the general public for their vigilance, advising stakeholders to validate instructional products through proper channels and quickly report issues needing federal government intervention.