The Lagos State Government has issued a warning to schools against forcing the purchase of school items on parents.
The warning which was issued by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) explained that upon the resumption of new school sessions, parents and guardians are asked to purchase the school provided list of books, stationery and uniforms.
The agency stated that the problem, however, arises when the schools mandate that the items on the list must be purchased from them, even if they are available at a lower price elsewhere.
“You find the same approved and equivalent items at another shop at a lower price and decide to buy them there.But the school tells you:“No. You must buy them from us. We don’t accept books or uniforms purchased elsewhere.” the agency stated.
LASCOPA went further to add that parents and guardians have a right to decline such, urging them to know and apply their rights when necessary.
Meanwhile, LASCOPA also added that a school should not impose buying books, uniforms or stationery from from them as long as the ones purchased elsewhere are equivalent to the approved ones.
The agency also urged people to speak up and make their complaints, of they experience a violation of their right.