04/09/2025
PLATEAU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY HALTS YEARLY PURCHASE OF TEXTBOOKS, GRADUATION CEREMONIES IN SCHOOLS; MOVES TO REGULATE ACTIVITIES OF UNAUTHORIZED HOUSE AGENTS
The Plateau State House of Assembly has stopped the compulsory yearly purchase of textbooks imposed on parents by schools across the State as Lawmakers insisted that books can be re-circulated among pupils, including siblings, as part of measures to reduce the untold hardship faced by families.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Hon. Joseph Bukar, representing Shendam Constituency, and seconded by Hon. Mathew Kwarpo Sylvanus of Mangu South, during plenary.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Bukar lamented the practice of compelling parents to buy new textbooks every academic session, describing it as exploitative and unfair. He stressed that Plateau parents are 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 practiced 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 unauthorized house agents in the State.
Members condemned their 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and exorbitant charges, and resolved to prohibit such activities by introducing a licensing system and repealing the outdated Rent Edict.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 will bring relief and development to the people of Plateau State.
E-Signed:
Philip Eplong.
Press Secretary to the Speaker,
Plateau State House of Assembly.
O4-09-2025.
