A viral post sparked outrage over a Nigerian JSS3 textbook teaching abortion methods, igniting debates on the appropriateness of such content.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Nigerian JSS3 textbook abortion controversy erupted after a viral post on X highlighted abortion topics in the curriculum, sparking nationwide debate on its appropriateness for students.
A viral post on X, formerly Twitter, has ignited debates about a Junior Secondary School Three (JSS3) science textbook in Nigeria that covers the types, processes, and reasons for abortion, along with family planning.
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The book, used in some Nigerian schools, outlines surgical abortion methods, including Dilation and Curettage (D&C) and Dilation and Evacuation (D&E), aimed at students aged 13-16.
The post by Alex Onyia, an X user, described the content as inappropriate for learners, raising concerns among parents and educators.
Onyia’s claims that the book “teaches how to perform abortions” caused a stir online, with some users condemning it as harmful and promoting sexual recklessness.
However, others supported its inclusion, arguing that students should be educated about the dangers of abortion and teenage pregnancy.
The All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Public Schools (ANCOPPS) and the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) condemned the textbook for containing abortion details, insisting it was not part of the approved curriculum.
ANCOPPS president, Musa Ibrahim, affirmed that they had begun investigations and directed principals to seize any copies of the book found in schools.
While some parents and educators believe that teenagers should be taught about reproductive health, others argue that the content is inappropriate for such a young audience.
The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) also criticised the explicit content, asserting that it was not part of the national curriculum.
The Federal Ministry of Education has denied approving the textbook, with officials stating that the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) had not authorised it.
Education and health professionals have called for a review of the book, raising concerns about its impact on students’ psychological and moral development.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
