By Obiageli Nwankwo
The Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, has urged members of the 2025/2026 Book Review Committee to carry out their assignment with integrity and strict adherence to established guidelines, warning that the state will not tolerate any compromise in the textbook selection process.
Speaking while flagging off the 2026 Book Review exercise at the Community Education Resource Centre (CERC), Okpuno, on June 16, he said, “the exercise is aimed at ensuring that only textbooks that meet the state’s academic, ethical and curriculum standards are approved for use in public and private schools across Anambra”.
Addressing reviewers drawn from different sectors of the education family, the commissioner reminded them that the quality of books approved today would directly influence the quality of education received by children in the state.
He urged them to constantly ask themselves, “What kind of education are we giving our children?” adding, “What you approve today as recommended textbooks for our schools will determine what our children learn in the years ahead.”
Dr. Ogugua noted that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration is committed to producing knowledgeable and highly skilled graduates who can secure gainful employment or become self-reliant.
Expressing concern over the poor communication skills of many graduates, he said reversing the trend begins with approving quality instructional materials, stressing, “It starts with you as reviewers.”
In her vote of thanks, a member of the Book Review Committee, Mrs. Chieke Anthonia, commended the commissioner for personally flagging off the exercise, describing his presence as a demonstration of his commitment to improving education in Anambra State.
She assured him that the committee would justify the confidence reposed in it by conducting a transparent, objective and professional review of all books submitted for assessment.
The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, directors of the ministry and other stakeholders in the education sector.
Obiageli Nwankwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
