The Government of Anambra State has announced a ban on the practice of writing assignments inside textbooks, describing it as wasteful and unsustainable.

Contained in a statement released by the state Ministry of Education on Friday, the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, the government said the ban was aimed at making textbooks reusable, especially for younger siblings of pupils who would need them when they advance to the next class.

According to the statement, the education commissioner announced the ban while addressing participants at the third day of a capacity building workshop organised by the ministry for private school proprietors and teachers at St. John of God Secondary School, Awka

According to the commissioner, the initiative is part of the state government’s strategy to ease financial pressure on families while promoting quality and sustainable education.

She said, “The decision is aimed at making textbooks reusable, especially for younger siblings of pupils who would need them when they advance to the next class.

“There is also the need for textbooks to be inclusive, reflecting diversity, equality, and the needs of all learners.

“The government would not tolerate non-compliance with the directive, parents, teachers, and school administrators are urged to ensure strict adherence.

“We also encouraged stakeholders to report cases of defaulters to the Ministry of Education.”

Similarly, the state government also vowed to end incessant and unnecessary graduation parties in schools, especially for nursery and primary classes.

Chuma-Udeh said the move became imperative following calls from parents who are weighed down by financial burden incurred during such parties.

She urged all who are concerned to strictly comply to the directive, warning that the state would not turn blind eye to defaulters

She added; “It has come to the notice of the state government that graduation parties have turned out to be avenue for financial exploitation by some school owners and the government can no longer keep quiet over the issue.

“Teaching and running a school is a divine call and should not be mortgaged for financial gains.

“Indulging in such runs contrarily to the mission and vision of the government as regards making education accessible and equitable for Anambra state age school students.”