The Benue Education Quality Assurance and Examinations Board (BEQAEB) has sealed Orenda and Opal Schools over alleged victimisation of learners and violation of government’s textbook policy.
This follows a reported attack on the board’s officials by the proprietor.
Executive Secretary of BEQAEB, Dr Terna Francis, disclosed this on Friday while explaining the circumstances surrounding the sealing of the schools.
He accused the proprietor, Onyinye Okoye, and some staff members of verbally assaulting his team and damaging an official vehicle after they were served with a court order authorising the closure of the premises.
Francis said the enforcement action followed complaints by parents that the schools allegedly compelled them to purchase prescribed textbooks directly from the institutions, contrary to the Benue State Government’s policy permitting textbook reuse and purchases from external bookstores.
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He said the board had repeatedly sensitised school proprietors on the policy, which allows parents to pass textbooks from older children to their younger siblings and purchase required books from bookstores of their choice.
He said the affected schools allegedly insisted that learners obtain textbooks directly from them, regardless of whether their parents had already purchased the prescribed books elsewhere.
He added that some learners whose parents had paid their school fees but could not afford the textbooks sold by the schools were allegedly subjected to punitive treatment, including having their homework left unmarked.
The executive secretary said parents who had purchased the prescribed textbooks from external bookstores and sought permission for their children to use them during the current academic session were allegedly rebuffed by the school management.
He said that the parents were reportedly told to either buy new textbooks directly from the schools or withdraw their children and enrol them elsewhere.
Francis added that the schools allegedly barred learners from bringing textbooks purchased outside their premises into classrooms, leaving some pupils demoralised and withdrawn.
He described the alleged practices as unacceptable, stressing that the government’s policy was designed to ease the financial burden on parents, encourage the reuse of textbooks and protect learners from unfair treatment.
The executive secretary explained that BEQAEB had invited the proprietor and school administrators to a meeting to address the complaints, but they failed to honour the invitation.
He said the board subsequently approached the court through the Attorney-General of Benue State and obtained an order authorising the sealing of the school premises.
Francis alleged that after the court order was served, Okoye led some members of staff in an attack on him and other officials carrying out the enforcement exercise.
The incident, according to him, involved verbal assaults against the officials and the destruction of a vehicle belonging to the board.
He stressed that regulatory disputes should be resolved through lawful channels rather than violence or intimidation, adding that compliance with court orders was essential to upholding the rule of law.
Francis said the schools would remain sealed until their proprietors and administrators met the conditions prescribed by the board and demonstrated a commitment to complying with government regulations, respecting court orders and protecting the rights of learners and parents.
What You Should Know
In simple terms, this report regarding Benue govt shuts schools forcing parents to buy textbooks highlights key developments that may impact citizens and stakeholders. On the positive side, constructive action and policy clarity can bring convenience, accountability, and opportunities for the public. On the other hand, any implementation delays, added costs, or operational disruptions could pose challenges for everyday people and affected sectors.
