The Plateau State House of Assembly has stopped the compulsory yearly purchase of textbooks imposed on parents by schools across the state.
The Assembly said textbooks could be reused among pupils, including siblings, to reduce hardship families currently face.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Joseph Bukar, representing Shendam Constituency, and seconded by Mathew Kwarpo Sylvanus, representing Mangu South, during plenary.
Presenting the motion, Bukar said the practice of compelling parents to buy new textbooks every academic session was exploitative and unfair.
The lawmaker stressed that parents across the state were not seeking luxury but fairness and relief.
He noted that adopting a sustainable textbook policy will make education more affordable.
A statement by the Press Secretary to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Philip Eplong, noted that after extensive deliberations, the lawmakers resolved that parents should be allowed the freedom to re-use textbooks and buy new ones from sources outside the schools, as they prefer.
They also agreed that a four-year textbook cycle be adopted, where approved textbooks remain in use for at least four academic sessions, as practised in other states like Edo and Imo.
The Plateau House of Assembly urged the parents-teachers’ associations and schools to establish book banks and swap schemes to help families cut costs while promoting responsible re-use.
Also, the Assembly condemned the growing trend of yearly graduation ceremonies in nursery and primary schools.
The lawmakers described the trend as wasteful and unnecessary.
They argued that such ceremonies place avoidable financial burdens on parents without adding academic value, and must, therefore, be stopped.
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To ensure compliance, the House of Assembly directed its Committee on Education to summon heads of private schools alongside officials of the Ministry of Education to communicate the resolutions of the Assembly to them.
The lawmakers warned that any school found violating the directive would face heavy sanctions.
Also at plenary, the Assembly deliberated on a motion raised by Gabriel Dewan, representing Pankshin North, calling for urgent regulation of unauthorised rent agents in the state.
Members condemned the exploitative tendencies that arose from such practice, including illegal and exorbitant charges, and resolved to prohibit such activities by introducing a licensing system and repealing the outdated Rent Edict.
Speaker Na’anlong Daniel praised his colleagues for their sacrifice and robust contributions during deliberations.
He assured the people of the state that the Assembly remained committed to legislations and resolutions that would bring relief and development to them.