Plateau Assembly Moves to Ease Educational Burden: Yearly Textbook Purchases Banned
In a
landmark decision aimed at reducing financial pressure on families, the Plateau
State House of Assembly has officially banned the compulsory annual purchase of
textbooks in schools across the state.
The resolution was passed during a recent plenary session following a motion presented by Hon. Joseph Bukar of Shendam Constituency and seconded by Hon. Mathew Kwarpo Sylvanus of Mangu South.
Lawmakers
described the practice of forcing parents to buy new textbooks each academic
year as exploitative and unjust, especially in light of the economic hardship
many families face.
The
Assembly emphasized that parents are not seeking luxury but fairness and
relief, and that education should be made more affordable and inclusive.
To
address this, the House adopted a four-year textbook cycle, ensuring that
government-approved textbooks remain valid for at least four academic sessions.
This
policy mirrors similar initiatives already in place in states like Edo and Imo.
Parents will now have the freedom to reuse textbooks among siblings and
purchase them from sources outside the school system.
In
addition to the textbook reform, the Assembly condemned the growing trend of
annual graduation ceremonies in nursery and primary schools. Lawmakers argued
that these events are unnecessary, wasteful, and impose avoidable financial
burdens on parents without adding any real academic value. As such, the
ceremonies are to be discontinued immediately.
To ensure
compliance with these new directives, the Committee on Education has been
tasked with summoning heads of private schools and officials from the Ministry
of Education. Schools found violating the resolutions will face strict
sanctions.
The
Assembly also addressed concerns beyond education, including the activities of
unauthorized housing agents. A motion raised by Hon. Gabriel Dewan of Pankshin
North called for regulation of these agents, who were accused of imposing
illegal and exorbitant fees on tenants. The House resolved to introduce a
licensing system and repeal outdated rent laws to curb these exploitative
practices.
Speaker
of the House, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, commended members for their robust
contributions and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to enacting policies
that bring meaningful relief and sustainable development to the people of
Plateau State.
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