Lagos bans schools from forcing parents to buy books, uniform

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has cautioned schools against compelling parents and guardians to purchase textbooks, uniforms and other school supplies exclusively from them or designated vendors.

The agency said parents should be allowed to source required items from other suppliers when the same approved products are reasonably available elsewhere.

LASCOPA issued the advisory in a consumer awareness message ahead of the reopening of schools, urging parents and guardians to understand and assert their rights as consumers.

According to the agency, schools are permitted to specify the books, stationery and uniforms required for students, but should not impose unnecessary restrictions on where parents obtain equivalent approved items.

“Where equivalent approved products are reasonably available elsewhere, parents and guardians should generally be free to choose where to purchase them,” LASCOPA stated.

The agency further advised parents who encounter schools restricting their purchasing options, or who experience other practices they consider unfair, to report such cases for investigation and appropriate action.

LASCOPA urged Lagos residents to raise concerns whenever their consumer rights are undermined, stressing that consumers remain protected under the state’s consumer protection framework.

“In Lagos State, consumers are kings,” the agency reiterated.