Human Rights Lawyer Files Petition Over Controversial Nursery School Textbook

A human rights lawyer filed a petition urging authorities to review and possibly sanction a controversial Lagos nursery textbook, as investigations continue over its suitability for young learners.

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has taken legal action in response to the ongoing controversy surrounding a nursery school textbook in Lagos, submitting a formal petition to the Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council.

Effiong, who is representing Mrs. Mary Queen Udoka free of charge, raised concerns about a book titled English Language Foundation for Nursery Schools, written by Ayengbe Ebhohimen JB. The textbook was reportedly given to a five-year-old Nursery 2 pupil through a school in Ojo, Lagos.

In his petition, the lawyer called for a thorough review of the book to determine whether its content is appropriate for young learners, as well as possible regulatory or disciplinary action if necessary. He also confirmed that copies of the textbook had been submitted to the relevant authorities for assessment.

Following public attention, the school involved has reportedly withdrawn the book from use and is now being examined for its role in distributing the material. The Lagos State Government has already clarified that the textbook is not among the officially approved learning materials and has launched an investigation into the issue.

The case also attracted police attention after the child’s parents raised concerns. Effiong disclosed that his legal team would honour an invitation from the Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, although he maintained that his client had committed no offence. He questioned why a matter concerning educational content had escalated into police involvement and suggested that the author of the book should explain how the situation reached that point.

Meanwhile, the Police Complaint Response Unit encouraged members of the public to make use of its official channels for complaints and inquiries.

The textbook’s author has defended the material, stating that the criticism is based on differing interpretations rather than any violation of educational standards. He argued that complaints could have been directed to him privately instead of becoming a public issue.

The controversy centres on a story in the book involving an elderly man who punishes his dog after a missing piece of meat. Critics argue that the way the scene is presented introduces themes that are unsuitable for young children and may negatively influence their understanding of discipline and conflict.

Many parents and stakeholders continue to express concern, stressing the need for stricter regulation of educational materials used in early childhood learning.

READ ALSO: Author of Controversial Lagos Nursery Textbook Responds to Criticism

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, LEGIT