BOOKS EXTORTION: ABIA ASSEMBLY MOVES TO STOP PRIVATE SCHOOLS

REPORTER: UZOMA NWANKWO

The Abia State House of Assembly has resolved to stop private schools from compelling parents to buy customized textbooks for their children and wards.

The Speaker, Chief Emmanuel Emeruwa, made this known during plenary in Umuahia.

He directed its Committee on Education to invite the Commissioner for Basic Education, the leadership of Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) and other related functionaries for interaction on the current lucrative business of sales and use of customized text and exercise books in private schools.

The resolution followed a motion brought before the House by the member representing Aba Central, Mr. Stephen Ucheonye.

Mr. Ucheonye had, through his motion, alleged that some proprietors of schools sell books at exorbitant prices and make it impossible for any two persons to make use of one text book.

He called on the House to intervene and halt the continued extortion of parents and guardians.

The Committee has two weeks within which to report back to the House.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU