The Plateau State House of Assembly has ordered stoppage of compulsory yearly purchase of textbooks imposed on parents by schools.
This followed a motion moved by Hon. Joseph Bukar, representing Shendam Constituency, and seconded by Hon. Mathew Kwarpo Sylvanus of Mangu South, during plenary, reports Daily Trust.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Bukar lamented the practise of compelling parents to buy new textbooks every academic session, describing it as exploitative and unfair.
The assembly said the decision is part of measures to reduce the untold hardship faced by families.
The lawmakers insisted that books can be re-circulated among pupils, including siblings.
They stressed that Plateau parents were not seeking luxury but fairness and relief, noting that adopting a sustainable textbook policy will make education more affordable.
After extensive deliberations, the House resolved that parents should be allowed the freedom to re-use textbooks and to purchase them from sources outside the schools.
The lawmakers also agreed that a four-year textbook cycle be adopted, where approved textbooks remain in use for at least four academic sessions, as practised in states like Edo and Imo.
The Assembly further encouraged Parent-Teacher Associations and schools to establish book banks and swap schemes to help families cut costs while promoting responsible re-use.
Similarly, the House condemned the growing trend of yearly graduation ceremonies in nursery and primary schools, describing the trend as wasteful and unnecessary.
The lawmakers argued that such ceremonies place avoidable financial burdens on parents without adding academic value, and therefore must stop.
To ensure compliance, the Committee on Education was directed to summon heads of private schools alongside officials of the Ministry of Education to communicate the resolutions of the House and warned that any school found violating the directive would face heavy sanctions.
Also at plenary, the Assembly deliberated on a motion raised by Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, member representing Pankshin North, calling for urgent regulation of unauthorised house agents in the state.
Members condemned “exploitative tendencies”, including illegal and exorbitant charges, and resolved to prohibit such activities by introducing a licensing system and repealing the outdated Rent Edict.
In his closing remarks, Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, commended members for their sacrifice and robust contributions during deliberations.
He assured that the Assembly remains committed to legislations and resolutions that would bring relief and development to the people of Plateau.
