Parents Welcome LASCOPA Warning Against Compulsory Purchase of School Items
Parents Welcome LASCOPA Warning Against Compulsory Purchase of School Items
As parents across Lagos State prepare for the September 14 resumption of schools, many have welcomed the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency’s (LASCOPA) warning that schools should not compel them to purchase approved books, uniforms and stationery directly from the school or designated suppliers.
The advisory has come as a relief to parents who often face mounting expenses at the beginning of every academic session, with some saying the freedom to shop around could help them reduce the financial burden of preparing their children for school.
LASCOPA, in its consumer-rights advisory, reminded parents and guardians that where equivalent approved products are reasonably available from other suppliers, they should generally be free to decide where to buy them.
“Where equivalent approved products are reasonably available elsewhere, parents and guardians should generally be free to choose where to purchase them,” the agency stated in a message shared by the Lagos State Government on Sunday.
For many parents, the issue is not about refusing to buy items prescribed by schools but having the freedom to compare prices and choose where to make purchases.
A parent who spoke on the development said the cost of school preparation had become increasingly difficult for families, particularly those with more than one child in school.
According to the parent, being allowed to buy the same approved materials from cheaper sources could make a significant difference to household budgets.
LASCOPA specifically cautioned schools against unnecessarily restricting parents from purchasing equivalent approved books, uniforms or stationery from other suppliers.
“A school should not unnecessarily restrict parents from buying equivalent approved books, uniforms or stationery from other suppliers,” the agency said.
Parents are typically handed lists of textbooks, notebooks, uniforms and other school materials after completing their children’s admission or registration process. However, concerns may arise when parents discover that the same or equivalent approved items are available elsewhere at lower prices but are told that they must purchase them from the school or a designated vendor.
LASCOPA said parents have a choice in such circumstances and encouraged them to speak up when they encounter practices they consider unfair or unnecessarily restrictive.
“You have a choice. Know your rights. Speak up,” the agency stated.
The intervention is particularly significant as families make preparations for the new academic session amid rising household expenses.
Parents who encounter consumer protection concerns can contact LASCOPA through lasgcopa@gmail.com, its toll-free line 080 00052726 on weekdays, or 08124993895 and 09153894878.
For parents, the message from the agency is clear: they should comply with legitimate school requirements while retaining their right to make informed purchasing decisions where equivalent approved products are available elsewhere.
The Lagos State Government also reinforced the message, declaring: “In Lagos State, consumers are kings.”
With schools set to reopen on September 14, parents are now being encouraged to know their consumer rights, compare prices where possible and report any practice they believe unnecessarily limits their choices.
Attribute the parent reaction clearly
Sharpen the parents’ financial angle
Clarify the approved-items limitation
