The Abia State Government has directed schools and publishers to adopt measures aimed at easing the financial burden on parents while improving learning standards across the state.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Commissioner Goodluck Ubochi announced that schools must stop recommending multiple textbooks for a single subject. He stressed that no child should be required to purchase four different books for one course, describing the practice as exploitative.
The Commissioner further instructed publishers to separate textbooks from accompanying workbooks, explaining that this would allow learning materials to be reused by other pupils and reduce costs for families.
He reminded stakeholders that Governor Alex Otti has declared free and compulsory education at the primary and basic secondary levels, and emphasized that schools must fully comply with this directive. He also underlined the importance of mandatory examinations including PSLAT for Primary 6, BECE for JSS 3, and internal assessments for SS2 students before WAEC registration.
Ubochi cautioned parents and guardians against allowing children to hawk or loiter during school hours, noting that Education Marshals have been directed to apprehend offenders and ensure proper school enrollment. He also assured that upcoming teacher recruitment exercises will address staffing gaps in critical areas.
The stakeholders’ meeting brought together representatives of WAEC, NECO, ANCOPPS, NUT, PTA, Publishers, LGA Education Secretaries, NASU, and senior officials of the Ministry of Education.
