The Plateau State House of Assembly has outlawed the compulsory yearly purchase of textbooks by schools across the state, insisting that books should be re-used among pupils, including siblings, to ease the financial burden on parents.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Hon. Joseph Bukar (Shendam Constituency) and seconded by Hon. Mathew Kwarpo Sylvanus (Mangu South).
Hon. Bukar described the practice of forcing parents to buy new textbooks each session as exploitative and unfair, stressing that a more sustainable policy would make education affordable for families.
Key Resolutions on Textbooks
• Parents are free to reuse textbooks or buy them from any source.
• A four-year textbook cycle will be adopted, as practiced in Edo and Imo States.
• Schools and PTAs are encouraged to establish book banks and swap schemes.
The House also condemned annual graduation ceremonies in nursery and primary schools, describing them as wasteful and burdensome. Lawmakers directed that the practice be discontinued, warning that defaulters will face sanctions.
The Committee on Education was instructed to summon heads of private schools and Ministry of Education officials to enforce compliance.
In a separate motion raised by Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan (Pankshin North), the Assembly resolved to regulate the activities of unauthorized house agents accused of illegal and exorbitant charges. The lawmakers proposed a licensing system and the repeal of the outdated Rent Edict to protect residents.
Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, Speaker of the House, commended members for their robust contributions and assured that the Assembly remains committed to legislation that brings relief and development to Plateau people.