LAGOS, Nigeria – Nigerian authorities have intensified efforts to combat the circulation of counterfeit scientific calculators following the seizure of approximately 14,000 boxes of fake devices during a coordinated enforcement operation at Dosunmu Market in Lagos.
The operation, conducted on 17 February, brought together the Nigeria Police Force, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, and the Lagos State Taskforce, resulting in the discovery of a concealed warehouse allegedly used to distribute counterfeit scientific calculators across the country.
The seizure, one of the largest of its kind, has raised fresh concerns over the growing presence of counterfeit educational products in the Nigerian market as students prepare for upcoming examination periods.
Education experts warn that counterfeit scientific calculators pose significant academic risks because they often fail to perform accurately under examination conditions.
“Counterfeit devices have been found to malfunction or display incorrect functions, potentially costing students their exam scores and future opportunities,” said Koji Shinjo, General Manager, Global Education Solutions.
According to industry stakeholders, counterfeit calculators are increasingly finding their way into schools, bookshops and informal retail channels, where they are often sold at significantly lower prices than genuine products. While the reduced prices may appear attractive to consumers, experts caution that the hidden costs can be substantial.
Reports indicate that counterfeit devices may produce inaccurate calculations, freeze during operation, drain batteries excessively or fail completely during critical examinations. Such failures could adversely affect students sitting important national examinations and other academic assessments.
Authorities say the latest enforcement action sends a strong signal to individuals involved in the manufacture, importation and distribution of counterfeit educational products.
Investigations and market surveillance are expected to continue as enforcement agencies strengthen efforts to disrupt supply chains responsible for moving counterfeit calculators into educational institutions and retail outlets.
Stakeholders have welcomed the increased enforcement, noting that students and schools deserve access to reliable learning tools that support academic success rather than compromise it.
As part of efforts to combat the trend, users can now confirm the authenticity of CASIO scientific calculators by scanning the QR code printed on the top of every genuine product box. A successful scan displays a blue verification mark confirming the product’s authenticity, while any alternative display or redirection indicates that the product is counterfeit. Consumers are being encouraged to verify the authenticity of scientific calculators before making a purchase.
Education specialists believe greater public awareness, combined with stronger market enforcement, will help reduce the circulation of fake educational products while protecting students from avoidable academic setbacks.
The company noted that the CASIO fx-9910NG PLUS is certified by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and is distributed exclusively through CASIO’s authorised dealer network. Parents, schools and students are encouraged to purchase scientific calculators only from authorised dealers and to verify product authenticity before use.
As Nigeria prepares for another examination season, education advocates continue to stress that reliable scientific calculators remain essential tools for learning and assessment, underscoring the importance of ensuring every student has access to genuine, dependable educational equipment.
For a safe and reliable educational tool, always purchase from an authorized CASIO dealer. You can find your nearest authorized dealer through the CASIO Store Locator: https://locator.casio.com/en-NG/store/ces/m
Protect your child’s future: Beware of counterfeit scientific calculators