The Plateau State House of Assembly has resolved to stop schools across the state from compelling parents to buy new textbooks every academic year, insisting that books should be re-circulated among pupils, including siblings, to ease financial pressure on families.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Joseph Bukar, representing Shendam Constituency, and seconded by Mathew Kwarpo of Mangu South, during plenary on Thursday. Bukar described the practice of forcing parents to buy new books as exploitative and unjust, stressing that families only seek fairness and relief. He argued that a sustainable textbook policy would make education more affordable and inclusive.
After deliberations, lawmakers agreed that parents should have the freedom to reuse textbooks or source them from outside the schools. They further recommended a four-year textbook cycle, where approved materials remain in use for at least four sessions, and encouraged the establishment of book banks and swap schemes through Parent-Teacher Associations.
Similarly, the Assembly condemned the rising trend of annual graduation ceremonies in nursery and primary schools, describing the events as wasteful and burdensome for parents. Lawmakers resolved that such ceremonies must be discontinued across the state.
To ensure compliance, the House directed its Committee on Education to summon heads of private schools and officials of the Ministry of Education to communicate the resolutions, warning that erring schools will face strict sanctions.
In another motion, raised by Gabriel Dewan, representing Pankshin North, the Assembly moved to regulate the activities of unauthorized house agents. Members criticized their exploitative practices, including illegal fees and exorbitant charges, and resolved to introduce a licensing system while repealing the outdated Rent Edict.
Closing the session, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, commended members for their contributions and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to enacting laws that bring relief and sustainable development to the people of Plateau.
