By Garbson Olanrewaju
In recent times, the private education sector in Kogi State, and indeed throughout Nigeria, has seen a disturbing trend that threatens the very foundation of our educational system. A coalition of private school proprietors, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) representatives, book publishers, and even officials from the Ministry of Education appears to be operating in concert to exploit unsuspecting parents. This unsavory alliance is transforming educational institutions into profit-driven enterprises, prioritizing financial gain over the welfare of students and their families.
The Extortionate Practices
Parents are increasingly becoming victims of a system designed to extract as much money as possible from them. Some of the most flagrant practices include:
- Compulsory Purchase of Customized Exercise Books: Many schools are mandating the use of specially branded exercise books, often sold at excessively inflated prices. Comparatively, prices at local bookshops are significantly lower, yet parents are left with no choice but to comply due to the school’s regulations. This not only places an additional financial burden on families but also raises questions about the authenticity of the educational experience being offered.
- Manipulating Textbooks into Workbooks: Another insidious tactic involves converting textbooks into workbooks. By doing so, schools eliminate the possibility of passing textbooks to incoming students. This not only forces parents to purchase new books annually but also creates a cycle of continuous expenditure that many families struggle to manage.
- Collusion with Book Publishers: The relationship between private schools and publishers appears to be mutually beneficial at the expense of parents. Schools are increasingly insisting on student buying textbooks in school, often at considerably higher prices. This monopoly denies parents the choice of seeking cheaper alternatives, such as local vendors.
- Lack of Support from PTAs and Ministry: In theory, PTAs and the Ministry of Education are meant to represent the interests of students and parents. However, many parents, including myself, have found that when we raise these valid concerns, we are met with hostility or indifference. In a personal experience, after I flagged these issues during a chat at PTA platform at Omoduni Academy, the director removed me from the platform, opting for silence over dialogue. My subsequent petition to the Ministry yielded no relief, as they seemed to align more with the schools than the parents they are meant to support.
The Consequence: A Decaying Educational System
This alarming situation is not just about financial exploitation; it is undermining the educational system itself. When institutions prioritize profit over pedagogy, classrooms become less about learning and more about revenue generation. The essence of education is being distorted into a marketplace, where the focus shifts from imparting knowledge to lining pockets.
A Clarion Call for Parental Action
The time has come for parents to unite against these exploitative practices. We must become vigilant guardians of our children’s education, demanding transparency and fairness. Here are some steps we can take as a collective:
- Educate Yourself and Your Community: Understanding the rights of parents and students in the educational system is crucial. Attend meetings, read up on policies, and share information with fellow parents to create awareness.
- Form Support Groups: Create a coalition of concerned parents to discuss issues and collaborate on strategies to resist these exploitative practices. There is strength in numbers.
- Engage with the Ministry of Education: Write letters, submit petitions, and request meetings with educational authorities to voice your concerns. Highlight the illegalities and ethical breaches occurring in the name of education.
- Advocate for Fair Pricing: Encourage schools to develop partnerships with local vendors and support a competitive marketplace that benefits parents and students alike.
- Leverage Media and Social Platforms: Use social media to bring attention to these practices. Highlight the challenges faced by parents and students and seek broader community support.
In conclusion, the time for complacency is over. Parents must take an active role in safeguarding our children’s educational experience, advocating for systemic changes that put student welfare over profit. We need to restore the sanctity of our educational institutions and ensure they serve their intended purpose: to educate and empower the next generation. Together, we can redefine the narrative and reclaim our children’s right to an equitable education.
