The Abia State Government, through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, has directed publishers to separate workbooks from textbooks supplied to schools so they can be reused by other pupils.
The government also frowned at the practice of schools recommending up to four textbooks for a single subject, noting that it puts unnecessary financial pressure on parents.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Goodluck Ubochi, emphasized that Governor Alex Otti has declared free and compulsory education at the primary and basic secondary levels.
He emphasized the need for PSLAT examination for Primary 6, compulsory BECE examination for JSS 3, and mandatory examination for SS2 before registering for WAEC, harping on the need to acquire such certificates as directed by the government.
Speaking further, the Commissioner emphasized that the State government frowns at children hawking or loitering during school hours, noting that Education Marshals have been directed to capture parents and guardians of defaulters, and advised them to enroll children in schools.
Ubochi assured stakeholders that certain considerations will be made to fill the gaps in areas needed for the next teachers’ recruitment.
The meeting was attended by representatives from WAEC, NECO, ANCOPPS, NUT, PTA, Publishers, LGA Education Secretaries, NASU, top officials of the Ministry of Education, among others.
