In a significant decision, the Plateau State House of Assembly has officially banned the compulsory yearly purchase of textbooks by parents, labeling the practice as exploitative. Instead, the lawmakers emphasized the reuse of books among pupils and siblings to reduce financial strain on families.
Key Resolutions Passed:
Reuse Allowed: Parents can now reuse textbooks and buy them from sources outside of official school channels.
Four-Year Textbook Cycle: Approved materials should remain valid for four academic sessions—mirroring practices adopted in Edo and Imo States.
Book Banks & Swap Schemes Encouraged: The Assembly urged parent-teacher associations and schools to establish book-sharing initiatives to promote affordability.
Beyond Books — Graduation Ceremonies Also in Review
The lawmakers also described annual graduation ceremonies in nursery and primary schools as unnecessary and financially burdensome. They resolved that such ceremonies should be discontinued to protect parents from unnecessary fees.
To ensure adherence, the Committee on Education was instructed to summon private school officials and education ministry representatives. Schools found violating these resolutions will face strict sanctions.
Why It Matters
Education should be an opportunity, not a source of financial hardship. By banning compulsory textbook purchases and unnecessary ceremonies, the Plateau Assembly is taking meaningful steps to make schooling more affordable and equitable.
This move helps to:
- Reduce costs for families.
- Encourage sustainability in school resources.
- Promote fairness and relieve undue pressure on parents.
Quick Summary Table:
| Issue | Action Taken |
| Compulsory Textbook Buying | Banned—parents can reuse books or purchase from external sources. |
| Textbook Validity | Extended to a four-year cycle. |
| Graduation Ceremonies | Annual ceremonies banned—seen as unnecessary financial burden. |
| Enforcement | Education Committee to monitor schools; violators will be sanctioned. |
