The Plateau State House of Assembly has resolved to stop the compulsory yearly purchase of textbooks imposed on parents by schools across the state. Lawmakers argued that textbooks should be re-circulated among pupils, including siblings, as part of efforts to ease the financial burden on families.
The decision followed a motion moved by Hon. Joseph Bukar (Shendam Constituency) and seconded by Hon. Mathew Kwarpo Sylvanus (Mangu South) during plenary.
Hon. Bukar, while presenting the motion, described the practice of forcing parents to buy new textbooks every session as exploitative and unfair. He noted that parents seek affordability, not luxury, and called for a sustainable textbook policy to make education more accessible.
After deliberations, the House resolved that:
- Parents should be free to reuse textbooks and buy from sources outside the schools.
- A four-year textbook cycle should be adopted, ensuring approved textbooks remain valid for at least four academic sessions, as practiced in Edo and Imo States.
- Schools and Parent-Teacher Associations should establish book banks and swap schemes to help families cut costs.
Lawmakers also condemned the growing culture of annual graduation ceremonies in nursery and primary schools, describing them as wasteful, unnecessary, and financially burdensome to parents. They directed that such practices be discontinued.
To enforce compliance, the House mandated the Committee on Education to summon private school heads and officials of the Ministry of Education, warning that violators will face sanctions.
In another resolution, the House deliberated on a motion raised by Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan (Pankshin North) seeking urgent regulation of unauthorized house agents in Plateau State. Members decried the exploitative practices of these agents, including exorbitant and illegal charges, and resolved to introduce a licensing system while repealing the outdated Rent Edict.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, praised members for their sacrifice and robust contributions, assuring that the Assembly remains committed to enacting resolutions and laws that bring relief and development to the people of Plateau State.
