By HOSEA NYAMLONG
THE Plateau State House of Assembly (PLHA) has called on the state government to urgently stop the compulsory yearly purchase of textbooks in schools, describing it as unfair and burdensome for parents amid the prevailing harsh economy.
The motion was presented during plenary at the Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos, yesterday.
Lawmakers unanimously condemned the practice, which is common in many schools, saying it was an exploitative burden on struggling families and a barrier to education for children from low-income homes.
In another resolution, the House expressed grave concern over the increasing processing of tin, columbite, monazite and other solid minerals within residential communities, particularly in Jos and its environs.
The House noted that over 1,000 tin-processing sheds were located in Jos North Local Government Area alone, posing severe health risks such as respiratory infections, cancers and kidney failure.
Lawmakers also warned that unregulated mineral processing caused environmental degradation, contamination of water sources, destruction of farmlands and displacement of communities, thereby worsening poverty and insecurity.
During the sitting, the House considered several bills, including a bill to establish the Plateau State Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, which passed first reading; a bill to create the Plateau State Technology and Vocational Education Board to promote skills development, which also passed first reading; and a bill providing for the remuneration of appointed traditional rulers in the state, which scaled second reading.
The House resolved to press the government for immediate action on both the yearly textbook purchases and the hazardous mineral processing in residential areas.
Lawmakers stressed that the new bills would significantly improve healthcare, education and economic well-being in Plateau State.