The Kogi State Government has reiterated its resolve to uphold the ban on mandatory customised textbooks and notebooks in schools across the state.
This was made known by the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, during a stakeholders’ meeting with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) held on Friday in Lokoja.
The meeting came in the wake of the state government’s recent directive to put a stop to frequent graduation ceremonies in basic and secondary schools, announced on September 3.
Jones praised NAPPS for its positive impact on the education sector and emphasized that the policy is aimed at easing financial pressure on parents while promoting uniformity in learning resources.
He further clarified that although customised textbooks and notebooks are not entirely banned, schools must sell them at standard market prices, and parents should not be compelled to buy them from the schools.
He also emphasised the importance of making textbooks reusable for younger siblings and urged parents to provide separate notebooks for classwork and homework.
The commissioner noted that the new measures are part of broader efforts to sanitise the school system and restore core educational values.
Jones further urged all private schools to register with either NAPPS or the Association of Model Islamic Schools (AMIS) to ensure proper coordination and communication with the government.
He assured proprietors of the state’s commitment to addressing issues such as multiple taxation and other challenges affecting private schools, while pledging full implementation of the State Education Law, 2020.
He also promised regular engagement with private schools on the rollout of the new school curriculum.
NAPPS Chairman, Pastor Reuben Jimoh, commended the commissioner for his leadership and pledged the cooperation of private schools in implementing the policies.
Similarly, Director of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Mathew Salami, and Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Omolayo Onasare, lauded the contributions of private schools and urged them to fully comply with the government’s directives.
