Abia Assembly Slams Private Schools Over Compulsory Customized Textbook Purchases

 

The Abia State House of Assembly has passed a resolution instructing its Committee on Education to engage with the Commissioner for Basic Education, the leadership of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), and other relevant officials regarding the growing issue of customized textbooks and exercise books in schools. The assembly expressed concerns that this trend is negatively affecting parents and society as a whole.

Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa announced the resolution during a plenary session, emphasizing the need for closer scrutiny of the operations within educational institutions that shape future generations. The Committee has been given two weeks to report back to the assembly on its findings.

This resolution followed a motion presented by Mr. Stephen Ucheonye, the representative for Aba Central, who raised alarms about the high prices charged by some school proprietors for these customized materials. Ucheonye claimed that the exorbitant costs prevent students from sharing textbooks, placing a financial burden on parents and guardians. He urged the House to intervene and stop the ongoing exploitation.

In addition, the House passed a resolution urging the state government to collaborate with the Commissioner for Health in appealing to the Federal Government for the deployment of medical doctors and essential healthcare personnel to the Sustainable Development Multipurpose Hospital in Ugwunagbo. This call for action aims to address the health needs of the increasing number of patients seeking medical care at the facility.

The resolution regarding healthcare was prompted by a matter of urgent public importance introduced by Chijioke Uruakpa, the representative for Ugwunagbo State Constituency.