School tackles NECO, JAMB over ‘immoral’ textbooks

The Parent-Teacher Association of Crescent College, Victoria Island, Lagos, have asked the Federal Ministry of Information to investigate the process that led to the adoption of some ‘immoral textbooks’ by the National Examination Council and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.

In a petition signed by the PTA Chairman, Alhaji Aliyu Gudaji, and the Head of Crescent Schools, Mrs. Fatima Mahmud-Oyekan, the parents urged the ministry to withdraw three books – The Precious Child by Queen Okwesire, The Tears of a Bride by Oyekunle Oyedeji and In Dependence, by Sarah Manyika, from lists of recommended literatures for the National Common Entrance Examination and the Unified Matriculation Examination.

The books, according to the petitioners, “are nothing but a means of glamorising acts of indecency such as rape, violence, kidnapping, girl defilement and sexualisation of knowledge. The books expose the vulnerable and unsuspecting minds of 10-12 year olds to amorous and deviant practices that can in turn breed rapists, cultists, homosexuals and kidnappers. The prevalence of cases of rape among secondary school pupils in recent times cannot be unconnected with the urge to experiment with the experience they have from such books.’’

Adding that excerpts from the books explicitly describe sensitive parts of the body, they advised the ministry “to recommend, henceforth, books that teach values such as honesty, integrity, decency, hard work and selflessness, which seek to promote humanity in our youngsters, in the interest of our nation.’’

However, the JAMB, whose candidates usedIn Dependence for the Use of English text, has said that it will not hesitate to withdraw the book. If is found to be below standard.

Speaking in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Thursday, the Head of Information, JAMB, Mr. Fabian Benjamin, said, “One of our cardinal agenda is to ensure that we breed young Nigerians that the whole world will be proud of. We always take our moral standing into consideration before recommending text books. This particular book was introduced before the present management came on board. But we will withdraw it if we find it below the expectations of Nigerians.’’

Also, the Executive Secretary, NECO, Prof. Charles Uwakwe, on Thursday said, “We are investigating it and we will make our position known. We are dealing with it.’’