Outrage as Nursery Book Teaches Disturbing Content—Natasha Akpoti, Parents Demand Author’s Arrest
By Passman Akpos
Fresh controversy has erupted over a nursery school textbook accused of containing disturbing and inappropriate content for young children, as legal counsel to Mrs. Udoka Mary Queen confirmed that she would be reporting to the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, following what he described as police invitation and harassment.
Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, disclosed in a public statement that he and his client would honor the police invitation as law-abiding citizens and out of respect for the Nigeria Police Force, stressing that Mrs. Mary Queen had committed no crime and that there was no legal basis for police involvement in the matter.
According to him, the issue stemmed from a controversial nursery school textbook authored by Ayengbe Ebhohimen JB, which had sparked public outrage after sections of its content were criticized as disturbing and unsuitable for children.
Effiong alleged that the author of the textbook instigated police action against his client after she raised concerns about the content of the book, insisting that the author would have to justify his actions.
“We will be reporting with our client not because we believe she committed any crime, but because we respect the institution of the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.
He further expressed hope that officers at Zone 2 Police Command would explain their interest in the matter and ensure that Mrs. Mary Queen’s fundamental rights were respected throughout the process.
The controversy has triggered widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians rallying behind Mrs. Mary Queen and questioning why law enforcement was involved in what many described as a legitimate public concern over children’s education.
Several parents and education stakeholders also criticized the textbook’s publisher, alleging exploitative practices in the supply of books to private schools.
One bookseller claimed the publisher had operated for years by selling directly to schools through sales representatives, allegedly forcing parents to pay inflated prices—sometimes up to three times higher than competing textbooks—while some schools reportedly waited months without receiving supplies.
The bookseller further alleged that many of the books were not approved by the Ministry of Education and questioned what made the publications so “special” despite mounting complaints.
Public reactions also focused heavily on the disturbing language reportedly found in the textbook, with one parent citing a passage involving “burning iron and putting it on a dog’s nose” as an example of content capable of instilling fear in young readers or encouraging dangerous imitation at home.
Many Nigerians called for stricter scholarly review before educational books are approved for nursery and primary schools, while others urged authorities to investigate not only the author but also those responsible for reviewing, approving, and issuing ISBN certification for such publications.
Support also poured in for Senator Natasha Akpoti, whom some commenters praised for standing with Mrs. Mary Queen, describing her as “the only senator with doings” and “our lioness.”
Others demanded a return to older educational standards, with some nostalgic parents calling for the reintroduction of classic Macmillan readers into schools, describing them as more inspiring, adventurous, and educational for children.
As the matter unfolds, many Nigerians say the case has become bigger than one textbook, turning into a national conversation about the quality of educational materials, publishing accountability, and the role of law enforcement in civil disputes.
