Education stakeholders condemn science textbook on abortion

The All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Public Schools (ANCOPPS) and the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) have condemned a science textbook used in some junior secondary schools for including controversial content on abortion.

The controversy started with a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) after user Alex Onyia shared excerpts from the Classic Basic Science and Technology for Junior Secondary School Three textbook.

The material in question explains the procedures and reasons for abortion and shows a detailed explanation of surgical abortion methods, including Dilation and Curettage (D&C) and Dilation and Evacuation (D&E), which immediately went viral.

Page 135 of the book partly reads, “There are two types of surgical abortion. Dilation and curettage (D & C): The cervix is dilated (opened and expanded) and a special instrument is used to scrape or scoop some linings and other materials in the uterus. D&C, also called vacuum aspiration, is used when the pregnancy is under 15 weeks.

“Dilation Evacuation (D & E): This involves dilating the cervix and using narrow forceps to evacuate the embryo that has formed bones. It is more difficult and requires more techniques than a simple D & C. It is used for 15-24 weeks old pregnancy.”

However, ANCOPPS and PTA argue that the content is not part of the Nigerian curriculum and is inappropriate for students at that level.

ANCOPPS’ national president, Musa Ibrahim, said efforts have been put in place to investigate the book.

He noted that ANCOPPS has already engaged with the Ministry of Education to obtain copies of the book for review.

“We have set machinery in motion to ensure that any such books brought into schools will be seized immediately. We have liaised with the Ministry of Education to obtain copies for analysis, and we intend to use this as a point of advocacy with the ministry. We find the contents highly offensive, and school principals have already been instructed to take action,” Ibrahim said.

“We’ve also engaged with PTAs at both the national and state levels, urging them to prevent the use of such books. A similar case occurred with an Integrated Science textbook in Kano, which we are currently tracking down to remove from circulation.

“I have also shared this information with all relevant groups, instructing them to be vigilant. Principals are expected to check books thoroughly and remain on the lookout for any similar material.”

He noted that the information in the book is not part of our curriculum, stating that while topics like reproduction and basic sexuality education are part of the junior secondary school (JSS) curriculum, these topics are taught to older students in JSS 3 and Senior Secondary School (SS 1).

Ibrahim added, “These topics are not meant for JSS 1 students, as they are not included in the curriculum.

“They labelled it as ‘sex education’ or ‘sexuality education,’ but we made it clear that we do not want it, and they should remove it. In the SS classes, reproduction is taught solely for examination purposes, as the students are semi-adults. ANCOPPS does not support this material, and we are taking steps to ensure it is confiscated.”

Meanwhile, Haruna Danjuma, National Chairman of the PTA, also criticised the content, particularly its focus on abortion, calling it “completely unacceptable.”

Danjuma stated that children should not be taught how to have an abortion.

Danjuma then vowed to escalate the issue to the National Council and the Minister of Education, saying, “How did this book get into schools? We are going to fight it.”

Adding to the outcry, Orji Emmanuel, National President of the Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), called the book’s content “damaging information” for young students.

“It is indeed sad. I have called for action on many occasions when it comes to the education of the Nigerian child; we cannot afford to be too busy with other issues and neglect our collective future,” Emmanuel said.

Emmanuel added that the book is not part of the approved curriculum, stating that AFED condemns the inclusion of explicit or harmful content in educational materials and advocates for age-appropriate and responsible education.

Emmanuel, however, urged the Federal Government and relevant agencies to review and regulate educational materials to prevent the inclusion of explicit or harmful content.