A viral post on X, formerly known as Twitter, has sparked
a debate over the content of a Junior Secondary School (JSS) Three science
textbook, which discusses abortion methods, reasons, and family planning. The
post by user Alex Onyia has drawn attention to the book, Classic Basic Science and Technology
for Junior Secondary School Three, questioning its suitability for
students.
On page 135 of the book, authored by M. Abdussalam, F.A.
Ibekwe, D.E. Akintelure, and B.B. Akintelure, with the approval of the Nigerian
Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), details on abortion
procedures, including Dilation and Curettage (D&C) and Dilation and
Evacuation (D&E), are provided. Onyia described the content as harmful and
inappropriate for young learners.
In response to the post, opinions among users on X were
divided. Some expressed concern about exposing students to detailed abortion
procedures, while others argued that it is important to educate teenagers on
the implications of pregnancy and abortion.
A parent, Johnson @Carrotsuite, condemned the book's
content, suggesting it promotes a permissive attitude toward abortion. However,
another user, Ogwu Ikechukwu, countered that teenagers should be informed about
the realities of pregnancy and abortion.
Several education stakeholders have also weighed in. The
All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Public Schools (ANCOPPS) and the
Parents Teachers Association (PTA) have strongly criticized the book, asserting
that it contains information not approved in the national curriculum. ANCOPPS
National President, Musa Ibrahim, stated that principals have been directed to
remove any such books from schools and work with the Ministry of Education to
review the content.
Ibrahim emphasized the importance of teaching students
about reproduction in a responsible and age-appropriate way, stressing that the
material in question is not suitable for JSS students. He added that the book
was not part of the prescribed curriculum, and steps were being taken to
prevent its circulation.
Haruna Danjuma, National Chairman of the PTA, called the
book "unacceptable" and vowed to escalate the issue to the National
Council and the Minister of Education for further action.
Similarly, Orji Emmanuel, National President of the
Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), urged a review of
all educational materials to ensure they align with age-appropriate standards.
Emmanuel called for greater oversight by the NERDC and relevant agencies to
safeguard the quality and appropriateness of educational resources.
While the need for comprehensive sex education is
recognized by some stakeholders, they argue that content must be delivered in a
manner suitable for the age group. Yomi Otubela, National President of the
National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, acknowledged the
importance of teaching reproductive health but raised concerns about the
explicit nature of the content in this book.
Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press for the Federal
Ministry of Education, clarified that any textbook containing such content
would not have been approved by NERDC. She pointed out that many textbooks in
circulation falsely claim NERDC approval, and an investigation would be
conducted to confirm the book’s legitimacy.
The controversy has highlighted the ongoing challenges in
ensuring that educational materials are appropriate and aligned with the
approved curriculum, as well as the need for careful consideration of how
sensitive topics such as abortion are addressed in schools.
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