STAKEHOLDERS RESOLVE ON EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS IN PLATEAU STATE

WALBE ORGAK 

Jos, August 28, 2025 – The Plateau State Ministry of Education has convened a stakeholders’ engagement meeting to address pressing issues affecting the education sector and to adopt new measures aimed at improving standards across schools in the state.

After extensive deliberations, several key resolutions were reached. Among them, stakeholders agreed that students are to purchase only textbooks and use notebooks for assignments, while workbooks are to be phased out. Textbooks must be sourced directly from publishers to ensure quality and curb piracy, with the Ministry of Education (MoE) enforcing compliance.

On graduation ceremonies, it was resolved that such events will henceforth be restricted to BECE 3 and SS3 classes. Students will wear only school uniforms, while graduation gowns, “signing out” exercises, and after-parties are prohibited.

Extra lessons were pegged as optional and limited to secondary schools, with priority given to English and Mathematics. Schools at all levels were reminded to strictly adhere to official closing and resumption dates.

Other resolutions include:

• Every school must establish a functional Parents-Teachers Association (PTA).
• Schools are to maintain only one official uniform with a cardigan and games wear.
• Examination bodies—WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB—were directed to harmonize timetables to prevent clashes and to intensify efforts against examination malpractice.
• Corporal punishment is discouraged, with emphasis on corrective disciplinary measures.
• Assistant teachers are to support classroom teaching and not be diverted to personal errands for school heads.

Stakeholders further urged regular school inspections, proper monitoring of enrollment age brackets, and continuous engagement with education partners.

In his remarks, WAEC officials appealed to the government for assistance with student registration fees and pledged to work closely with the Ministry to promote educational excellence.

The resolutions were presented by Bawa Ishaya M., Vice Chairman, Voluntary Agencies and Community Schools, who emphasized that the reforms are vital for restoring discipline, quality, and equity in Plateau State’s education system.