The Traffic

PLATEAU ASSEMBLY INTERVENE IN TEXTBOOK PURCHASE, BAN GRADUATION CEREMONIES IN PRY & SECONDARY SCHOOLS. 

By Yemi Kosoko 
The Plateau State House of Assembly as part of measures to reduce untold hardship faced by families has called for discontinuation of compulsory yearly purchase of textbooks imposed on parents by schools across the State. 
The lawmakers in a resolution during plenary insisted that books can be re-circulated  among pupils and students instead of new purchases at the beginning of every academic year. 
Presenting the motion, member representing Shendam Constituency Joseph 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 in schools will make education more affordable.

After extensive deliberations and inputs on the matter, the House resolved that parents should be allowed the freedom to re-use textbooks and to purchase them from sources outside the schools; with recommendations 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 resolved that  Parent-Teacher Associations and schools should 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 State 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 the  regulation of unauthorized house agents in the State with  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and exorbitant charges, and resolved to prohibit such activities by introducing a licensing system and repealing the outdated Rent Edict.

 Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, commended members for their sacrifice and robust contributions during deliberations with assurances that the Assembly remains committed to legislations and resolutions that will bring relief and development to the people of Plateau State.