Authorities have stepped up efforts to curb the distribution of counterfeit scientific calculators following the seizure of about 14,000 boxes of fake devices during an enforcement operation at Dosunmu Market in Lagos.
The operation, carried out by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Lagos State Taskforce, led to the discovery of a concealed warehouse allegedly used to distribute counterfeit scientific calculators to markets across the country.
The scale of the seizure has raised concerns among education and industry stakeholders over the circulation of fake educational products, particularly as students prepare for major examinations.
Education experts warned that counterfeit scientific calculators could put students at risk of losing marks because the devices may malfunction or produce inaccurate results during examinations.
Koji Shinjo, General Manager of Global Education Solutions, said counterfeit calculators had been found to exhibit incorrect functionality, potentially affecting students’ examination performance and future academic opportunities.
Industry stakeholders said fake calculators were increasingly being sold through schools, bookshops and informal retail outlets, often at prices significantly lower than genuine products.
They cautioned, however, that the apparent savings could come at a considerable cost to students, particularly when the devices are used during important examinations.
Counterfeit calculators may produce inaccurate calculations, freeze during use, consume batteries excessively or stop functioning altogether, according to reports from industry stakeholders.
Such failures could have serious consequences for candidates sitting national examinations and other assessments where calculators are permitted.
Authorities said the latest seizure demonstrated the need for continued action against the manufacture, importation and distribution of counterfeit educational materials.
Investigations and market surveillance are expected to continue as enforcement agencies work to identify and disrupt supply chains supplying fake calculators to educational institutions and retail outlets.
Stakeholders welcomed the enforcement operation and called for sustained measures to ensure students and schools have access to reliable educational equipment.
Consumers were also advised to verify the authenticity of scientific calculators before purchasing them, particularly when buying from informal or unauthorised outlets.
