The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the ban on compulsory customised textbooks and notebooks in schools across the state.
Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) on Friday in Lokoja.
The meeting followed the state government’s recent decision to halt incessant graduation ceremonies in basic and secondary schools, announced on September 3.
Jones commended NAPPS for its contributions to the growth and development of the education sector, stressing that the policy seeks to reduce the financial burden on parents and promote a standardised approach to learning materials.
While customised textbooks and notebooks are not entirely prohibited, the commissioner clarified that they must be sold at prevailing market prices, with no obligation on parents to purchase them directly from 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.
