Cross River Warns Schools Over Unapproved Textbooks
By Missang Akpet
The Cross River State Ministry of Education has warned public and private schools against selling, collecting money for, or using textbooks not approved by the Ministry, ahead of the commencement of full academic activities for the 2026/2027 session.
The Commissioner for Education, Senator (Prof.) Stephen Odey, issued the warning following reports that some private schools may have commenced the sale or collection of money for textbooks despite the Ministry’s earlier engagement with school proprietors and other stakeholders.
Odey recalled that during the meeting with private school owners and other stakeholders, the Ministry had clearly announced that it was undertaking a comprehensive review of textbooks and instructional materials to ensure their suitability for schools across the State.
He said stakeholders were also informed that the approved textbook list would be released this week to guide schools and parents on the instructional materials permitted for use in the new academic session.
According to the Commissioner, the delay in releasing the list was occasioned by the detailed and rigorous nature of the review process, particularly the need to ensure that the textbooks conform to the new curriculum and meet the required educational standards.
Odey assured parents, guardians, school proprietors and the general public that the Ministry was working assiduously to conclude the review and release the approved textbook list latest Thursday, September 17, 2026.
He said the timing would enable schools and parents to obtain the necessary guidance ahead of the commencement of full academic activities on Monday, September 21.
The Commissioner consequently directed all public and private schools to refrain from selling or collecting money for textbooks that have not received approval from the Ministry.
He also urged parents, guardians, students and members of the public who have information about any school selling or collecting money for unapproved textbooks to report such institutions immediately to the Ministry of Education for appropriate action.
Odey said the directive was intended to ensure compliance with approved educational standards while protecting parents and learners from being compelled to purchase instructional materials that had not undergone the Ministry’s review and approval process.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of education in Cross River State and ensuring that instructional materials used in schools are aligned with the new curriculum and meet the required standards.
The Commissioner further assured stakeholders that the Ministry would continue to take necessary steps to safeguard the interests of learners and parents while strengthening compliance across both public and private schools in the State.
