In a landmark decision aimed at alleviating the financial strain on families, the Plateau State House of Assembly has passed a resolution banning the annual purchase of textbooks in public and private schools across the state. The motion, introduced by Hon. Daniel Nanbol Listick, representing Langtang North Central Constituency, was unanimously adopted during a plenary session on September 4, 2025, in Jos, the state capital. The resolution seeks to address the escalating costs of education, which have become a significant burden for parents amidst Nigeria’s economic challenges. This bold move has sparked widespread discussion about educational affordability, policy enforcement, and the role of state legislatures in shaping Nigeria’s education system.
The Resolution: Addressing a Growing Concern
The decision to ban the yearly purchase of textbooks stems from growing concerns about the financial pressures faced by parents in Plateau State. Hon. Listick, in presenting the motion, highlighted the practice of schools mandating the purchase of new textbooks each academic session, often requiring parents to buy specific editions or books from designated vendors. This practice, he argued, places an unnecessary financial burden on families, particularly in low-income households, and contributes to the rising cost of education in the state.
“Every year, parents are compelled to buy new textbooks, even when existing ones are still relevant and usable,” Listick stated during the plenary session. “This practice is not only exploitative but also unsustainable, especially in these challenging economic times. We must prioritize the welfare of our constituents and ensure that education remains accessible to all.” The lawmaker’s remarks resonated with his colleagues, who unanimously supported the motion, reflecting a shared recognition of the need to address educational affordability.
The resolution mandates that schools in Plateau State, both public and private, refrain from requiring parents to purchase new textbooks annually unless there are significant curriculum changes approved by the State Ministry of Education. Instead, schools are encouraged to promote the reuse of existing textbooks, provided they remain relevant and in good condition. The Assembly also directed the Ministry of Education to develop guidelines for implementing the ban and to establish mechanisms for monitoring compliance across the state’s 17 local government areas.
Economic Context: The Burden of Education Costs in Nigeria
The Plateau State Assembly’s decision comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with severe economic challenges. The removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, led to a sharp increase in fuel prices, triggering inflation and exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s inflation rate reached 33.4% in July 2025, with food inflation even higher at 39.5%. These economic pressures have made it increasingly difficult for families to afford basic necessities, including educational materials.
Education, often seen as a pathway to social mobility, has become prohibitively expensive for many Nigerian families. In addition to tuition fees, parents face costs for textbooks, uniforms, examination fees, and other school-related expenses. The practice of mandating annual textbook purchases has been particularly contentious, as it often involves buying new editions with minimal changes or sourcing books from specific vendors at inflated prices. This has led to accusations of profiteering by schools and publishers, with parents bearing the brunt of the financial burden.
In Plateau State, where agriculture is a primary source of income for many residents, economic hardship is particularly acute. The state has also faced security challenges, including farmer-herder conflicts and banditry, which have disrupted livelihoods and displaced communities. Against this backdrop, the Assembly’s resolution is a significant step toward addressing one aspect of the financial strain on families, signaling a commitment to making education more accessible.
Educational Policy in Nigeria: Challenges and Opportunities
The Plateau Assembly’s ban on annual textbook purchases highlights broader challenges within Nigeria’s education system. The country’s education sector has long been plagued by underfunding, inadequate infrastructure, and inconsistent policies. According to UNESCO, Nigeria allocates less than 7% of its annual budget to education, far below the recommended 15–20% for developing nations. This underinvestment has resulted in dilapidated school facilities, a shortage of qualified teachers, and limited access to quality educational materials.
Textbooks are a critical component of education, providing students with structured content to support learning. However, the high cost and frequent replacement of textbooks have made them a barrier to education for many families. In some cases, schools require parents to purchase multiple textbooks per subject, often from specific publishers or vendors, leading to allegations of kickbacks and monopolistic practices. The Plateau resolution seeks to disrupt this cycle by promoting the reuse of textbooks, which could reduce costs and ensure that more children have access to learning materials.
The resolution also raises questions about curriculum standardization and enforcement. Nigeria’s National Policy on Education mandates periodic curriculum reviews to ensure relevance, but changes are often poorly communicated to schools and parents. The requirement for new textbooks to align with updated curricula can lead to unnecessary purchases, especially when revisions are minor. By tying the ban to significant curriculum changes, the Plateau Assembly aims to ensure that textbook purchases are justified and not driven by commercial interests.
Implementation and Enforcement: Challenges Ahead
While the resolution has been hailed as a progressive step, its success will depend on effective implementation and enforcement. The Plateau State Ministry of Education has been tasked with developing guidelines to operationalize the ban, including criteria for determining when new textbooks are necessary. This will require collaboration with school administrators, publishers, and parents to ensure clarity and compliance.
One potential challenge is resistance from schools and publishers who benefit financially from annual textbook sales. Private schools, in particular, may argue that the ban infringes on their autonomy to set policies. The Assembly has called for sanctions against schools that violate the resolution, but the specifics of these penalties remain unclear. The Ministry of Education will need to establish robust monitoring mechanisms, such as regular inspections and parent feedback systems, to ensure compliance.
Another challenge is the condition of existing textbooks. In many schools, textbooks are outdated, damaged, or insufficient in number, forcing parents to purchase new ones. The resolution’s emphasis on reuse assumes that schools have adequate supplies of usable textbooks, which may not be the case in underfunded public schools. To address this, the state government may need to invest in textbook provision programs, such as subsidized distribution or digital alternatives, to ensure that all students have access to quality materials.
The involvement of parents and community stakeholders will be crucial for the resolution’s success. Public awareness campaigns can educate families about their rights under the new policy and encourage them to report violations. Civil society organizations and parent-teacher associations can also play a role in monitoring compliance and advocating for broader educational reforms.
Historical Context: Textbook Policies in Nigeria
The issue of textbook costs is not new in Nigeria’s education system. Over the years, various states and the federal government have attempted to address the financial burden of educational materials. In the 1980s and 1990s, the federal government introduced free textbook programs in public schools as part of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) initiative. However, these programs were hampered by corruption, mismanagement, and inconsistent funding, leading to shortages and poor-quality materials.
In recent years, some states have taken steps to address textbook costs. For example, Lagos State introduced a digital learning initiative in 2019, providing e-books and tablets to students in public schools to reduce reliance on physical textbooks. Similarly, Kano State launched a textbook recycling program in 2021 to promote reuse and reduce costs. The Plateau Assembly’s resolution builds on these efforts but is unique in its outright ban on annual purchases, signaling a more aggressive approach to tackling the issue.
The resolution also reflects a growing trend of state legislatures taking proactive steps to address local challenges. In Nigeria’s federal system, states have significant autonomy over education policy, allowing them to tailor solutions to their specific contexts. Plateau’s ban could inspire other states to adopt similar measures, potentially leading to a nationwide push for more affordable education.
Broader Implications: Education, Equity, and Governance
The Plateau Assembly’s decision has far-reaching implications for education, equity, and governance in Nigeria. By reducing the financial burden on parents, the resolution aims to make education more accessible, particularly for low-income families. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which calls for inclusive and equitable quality education for all. In a country where over 10 million children are out of school, according to UNICEF, policies that reduce barriers to education are critical for achieving universal access.
The resolution also highlights the role of state legislatures in addressing grassroots concerns. In Nigeria, where federal policies often dominate national discourse, state assemblies have the potential to drive meaningful change at the local level. The unanimous support for the motion in Plateau demonstrates the power of collective action and bipartisan cooperation in addressing public welfare issues.
However, the resolution also raises questions about the balance between state intervention and school autonomy. Private schools, which operate as businesses, may resist the ban, arguing that it limits their ability to set policies that meet their students’ needs. The state government will need to navigate these tensions carefully, ensuring that the policy is enforced without stifling innovation or investment in the education sector.
Economically, the ban could have ripple effects on the publishing industry. Textbook publishers, who rely on annual sales, may face reduced revenue, potentially leading to job losses or higher prices for other educational materials. The state government should engage with publishers to explore alternative models, such as digital textbooks or long-term contracts for curriculum-aligned materials, to mitigate these impacts.
Stakeholder Perspectives: Support and Criticism
The resolution has elicited varied responses from stakeholders. Parents and advocacy groups have largely welcomed the decision, viewing it as a step toward making education more affordable. Mrs. Grace Dung, a parent in Jos, told local media, “Every year, I spend thousands of naira on textbooks that are almost identical to the previous ones. This ban will help families like mine save money for other essentials.” Education advocacy groups, such as the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), have also praised the resolution, calling it a “game-changer” for educational equity.
However, some school administrators and publishers have expressed concerns. The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) in Plateau State issued a statement cautioning that the ban could lead to a shortage of up-to-date materials, particularly in subjects like science and technology, where curricula evolve rapidly. The association urged the government to clarify the criteria for “significant curriculum changes” and provide support for schools transitioning to reusable textbooks.
Publishers, represented by the Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA), have also raised objections, arguing that the ban could disrupt their business model. “Textbook production is a significant investment, and annual sales ensure sustainability,” said Mr. Chukwuemeka Okoye, NPA’s Plateau State chairman. “We support affordable education, but the government must engage with us to find a balanced solution.” The state government has promised to hold consultations with stakeholders to address these concerns and ensure a smooth implementation.
Comparative Analysis: Textbook Policies Globally
The Plateau resolution can be contextualized within global efforts to reduce education costs. In countries like India, the government provides free textbooks to students in public schools up to a certain grade level, funded through national and state budgets. Similarly, South Africa’s Department of Basic Education has implemented textbook reuse programs to minimize costs while ensuring access to quality materials. These models rely on centralized procurement and distribution systems, which Nigeria could consider to complement the Plateau ban.
Digital textbooks offer another potential solution. Countries like Kenya and Rwanda have invested in e-learning platforms, providing students with access to digital resources on tablets or smartphones. While Nigeria’s digital infrastructure is still developing, initiatives like Lagos State’s e-learning program demonstrate the potential for technology to reduce reliance on physical textbooks. Plateau could explore partnerships with tech companies to develop affordable digital solutions tailored to its context.
Recommendations for Implementation and Beyond
To ensure the success of the textbook ban and address broader educational challenges, the following recommendations are proposed:
Develop Clear Guidelines: The Ministry of Education should issue detailed guidelines on the ban, specifying criteria for curriculum changes that justify new textbook purchases. These guidelines should be developed in consultation with schools, publishers, and parents to ensure buy-in.
Strengthen Monitoring Mechanisms: The state should establish a task force to monitor compliance, conduct school inspections, and address complaints from parents. A hotline or online portal could allow families to report violations anonymously.
Invest in Textbook Provision: The government should allocate funds to provide free or subsidized textbooks to public schools, particularly in underserved areas. This could be modeled after successful programs in other states or countries.
Promote Digital Alternatives: Plateau should explore digital textbooks and e-learning platforms as long-term solutions to reduce costs. Partnerships with tech companies and NGOs could support the development of affordable digital resources.
Engage Stakeholders: The government should hold regular consultations with schools, publishers, and parents to address concerns and refine the policy. Transparent communication will build trust and ensure effective implementation.
Expand Public Awareness: A statewide campaign should educate parents, teachers, and students about the ban and its benefits. Media outlets, including radio and social media platforms like X, can amplify this message.
Address Broader Educational Challenges: The ban should be part of a comprehensive strategy to improve education in Plateau, including teacher training, infrastructure upgrades, and increased funding. This will ensure that cost reductions translate into better learning outcomes.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Educational Equity
The Plateau State House of Assembly’s ban on annual textbook purchases is a bold and timely intervention in Nigeria’s education sector. By addressing a key financial burden on parents, the resolution has the potential to make education more accessible and equitable, particularly for low-income families. However, its success will depend on effective implementation, robust enforcement, and collaboration with stakeholders to address challenges and ensure sustainability.
The decision reflects a broader trend of state governments taking proactive steps to address local issues, demonstrating the power of subnational legislatures in shaping Nigeria’s future. As Plateau navigates the complexities of this policy, it could set a precedent for other states, contributing to a national conversation about educational affordability and reform. By prioritizing the welfare of its citizens and investing in education, Plateau State is taking a significant step toward a more inclusive and prosperous future.
