Monday, October 7, 2024

Principals, Parents Condemn JSS Textbook on Abortion, Call for Review of Curriculum

 



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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