The Kogi State Government has reiterated its ban on mandatory customized textbooks and notebooks in schools, effective from the 2025/2026 academic session, as part of reforms to cut financial pressures on parents and standardize education across public and private institutions.

The policy, announced during a stakeholders' meeting Friday in Lokoja with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), follows the September 3 prohibition on incessant graduation ceremonies in basic and secondary schools, as well as "signing-out" events in tertiary institutions.

Education Commissioner Wemi Jones clarified that while schools may offer customized materials, they must be priced at market rates, with no obligation for parents to purchase from institutions—allowing transfer to siblings and separate notebooks for classwork and homework.

Jones commended NAPPS for bolstering the sector and urged private schools to register with NAPPS or the Association of Model Islamic Schools (AMIS) for better coordination. He addressed concerns like multiple taxation, pledging enforcement of the 2020 State Education Law and consultations on the new curriculum. Jones described the reforms as essential to "sanitise the school system and restore the core values of education."

NAPPS Chairman Reuben Jimoh praised Jones' leadership and pledged compliance. Acting Permanent Secretary Omolayo Onasare and Basic/Secondary Education Director Mathew Salami echoed calls for collaboration, with Salami urging robust ties to advance Kogi's education.

The measures, under Governor Ahmed Ododo's administration, aim to foster equity and focus on learning over extravagance, with stakeholders requesting more public teachers and textbook oversight committees. Implementation begins next session, potentially easing costs in a state where education access remains uneven.