Inappropriate book with sex, profanity and tribal slurs added to the Nigerian curriculum for JSS students

Reading is awesome. And we understand that the best way to instill a love of the written word into the young and moldable minds of our youth is to offer the joy of books to them at an early age.

While that sounds good in theory, it can take a slightly disturbing turn when the books either intentionally or unintentionally convey a message that might be “questionable.”

A concerned parent revealed to Bella Naija that a book which is presently part of the required curriculum for Junior Secondary School (JSS) students in Nigeria is totally inappropriate for their age group.

Titled “Zumji and Uchenna” the book is described by its publishers as “an exciting play which ends in tragedy. It is the story of two passionate lovers from the ethnic divide whose marriage plan was disallowed on tribal grounds. When the undaunted duo eventually win the epic battle and are joined in wedlock, the celebration of victory is brutally scuttled by some demented lovers whose thirst for vengeance result in a harvest of death.”

This book was made mandatory for all Junior Secondary School students in Nigeria, while the book description is not a cause for concern. The content is full of words inappropriate for children under 18.

Words spotted in the book include “Let us leave this f***ing place before the arrival of Police! Bloody b*****es!”

"Nobody above all, nobody from another ethnic group! Imagine that donkey from the North courting our sister!”

“Are not Ibos smart enough to take the virginity of their girls!”

“Are our cocks too short and small? Bloody Hell”

Written by a French National named Pierre Meunier several decades ago, “Zumji and Uchenna” found its way into the Nigerian curriculum after it was republished in 1999 under the imprint of Ibadan-based Spectrum Books.

The author, Pierre was born in France in 1926 and arrived in Nigeria aged 22. He lived in various parts of the country and became a Nigerian citizen in 1978. During his time here, he wrote several books including poetry, prose and plays.

While i agree that literature is an art that both young and old should enjoy unhindered, JSS1 students are not mature enough to consume such strong language and tribal sentiments.

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On the other hand, Nigerians are asking: Who in the ministry of education approved for this to be added in the curriculum? Did the teachers proof read this book before telling the students to read it?

We await the response of the Federal Ministry of Education.

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