Authorities and stakeholders have intensified efforts to combat the distribution of counterfeit scientific calculators following the seizure of approximately 14,000 boxes of fake devices during a coordinated enforcement operation at Dosunmu Market in Lagos.

The operation, conducted recently by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Lagos State Taskforce, resulted in the discovery of a concealed warehouse used to distribute counterfeit scientific calculators across the country.

The seizure, one of the largest of its kind, has raised fresh concerns over the growing presence of counterfeit educational products in the Nigerian market as students prepare for upcoming examinations.

Education experts, therefore, warned that counterfeit scientific calculators pose significant academic risks because they often fail to perform accurately under examination conditions.

General Manager, Global Education Solutions, Koji Shinjo, warned that counterfeit devices had been found to malfunction or exhibit incorrect functionality, potentially costing students their examination scores and future opportunities.

According to industry stakeholders, counterfeit calculators are increasingly finding their way into schools, bookshops and informal retail channels, where they are often sold at lower prices than genuine products.

While the reduced prices may appear attractive to consumers, experts cautioned that the hidden costs could be substantial.

However, reports indicate that counterfeit devices may produce inaccurate calculations, freeze during operation, drain batteries excessively or fail completely during critical examinations. Such failures could adversely affect students sitting for important national examinations and other academic assessments.

Authorities, therefore, stated that the latest enforcement action sends a strong signal to individuals involved in the manufacture, importation and distribution of counterfeit educational products.

Meanwhile, investigations and market surveillance are expected to continue as enforcement agencies intensify efforts to disrupt supply chains that move counterfeit calculators into educational institutions and retail outlets.

Stakeholders, while welcoming the increased enforcement, stated that students and schools deserve access to reliable learning tools that support academic success rather than compromise it.

Consumers are, however, encouraged to verify the authenticity of scientific calculators before making any purchase to avoid buying counterfeit products.