ASONIS Commends FG on Ban of Disposable Workbooks, Reaffirms Education as a Fundamental Right
The Association of Southern Nigeria Students (ASONIS) has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT), for its bold decision to ban disposable workbooks and replace them with reusable textbooks across the Nigerian education system.
According to ASONIS, this policy marks a progressive and student-focused reform that addresses one of the silent but persistent challenges facing Nigerian learners—rising hidden educational costs. By eliminating disposable workbooks, the government has taken a decisive step toward easing the financial burden on students and parents, particularly those from low- and middle-income households.
The association noted that the widespread use of disposable workbooks over the years has created an unhealthy system where students are compelled to repeatedly purchase materials that offer little long-term academic value. This practice, ASONIS observed, has gradually normalized exploitative costs under the guise of academic requirements, thereby limiting access to education for many Nigerian children.
ASONIS believes that the introduction of reusable textbooks promotes not only affordability but also sustainability and equity within the education sector. The policy reflects an understanding of the realities confronting students and underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive education.
The association therefore expressed its firm support for the Federal Government’s action and strongly condemned all exploitative practices that seek to commercialize education at the expense of students’ welfare and rights. ASONIS emphasized that learning should never be turned into a profit-driven enterprise that excludes the vulnerable.
Reiterating its long-held position, ASONIS declared that education is a fundamental right of every Nigerian, not a privilege reserved for a select few. Any policy or institutional practice that restricts access to education through excessive, unjustifiable, or compulsory financial demands must be reviewed, reformed, or completely abolished.
ASONIS further called on educational institutions, school administrators, and relevant stakeholders nationwide to fully comply with the directive and align with the broader national vision of equitable, affordable, and accessible education for all.
In conclusion, the association reaffirmed its commitment to sustained advocacy, accountability, and constructive engagement with government institutions. ASONIS pledged to continue supporting policies that bring real relief to students and contribute to long-term improvements in Nigeria’s education system.
