In a bid to bolster the outcome of learning in Kaduna schools, Partnership for Leaning for All in Nigeria (PLANE), has recommended an effective book management in the state.
The recommendations resulted from PLANE’s survey in 2024, where a
Book Management and Use Survey (BMUS) in Jigawa, Kaduna, and Kano states was carried out.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that it was to identify inefficiencies in book distribution, storage, handling, and training.
Presenting the BMUS finding at an engagement on Tuesday in Kaduna, the State Reform Facilitator of PLANE, Mr Mubarak Siraj, said the survey they conduct across 60 schools each in Kano, and Kaduna States as well as Jigawa.
He said that it highlighted strategic opportunities to transform book management into a
more sustainable and equitable system.
By addressing the issues, Siraj said the lifespan of books could be extended and it was capable of improving broader educational outcomes across the regions.
He stated that PLANE has been instrumental in supporting Kaduna State with the review,
production, and distribution of teaching and learning materials across the focal LGAs.
Siraj, therefore, said the survey was to identify the factors contributing
to book deterioration in the states.
It was also to assess the current distribution, storage, and utilisation practices.
It was also to foster collaboration
with the stakeholders to develop solutions for improving the longevity and efficiency of educational
materials.
Dr Gbenga Bamidele, PLANE’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer, said inefficient distribution processes, combined with poor communication, lead to delays in book delivery, thereby reducing
learning opportunities.
He also said that inadequate storage infrastructure and
improper book handling practices significantly contributed to the rapid
deterioration of books, reducing their
lifespan and effectiveness in the
classroom.
Bamidele lamented that insufficient book management training
made the challenges harder.
He added that financial inefficiencies also arose from frequent
replacements due to poor book
management.
“These issues can be resolved by following
a series of guidelines for book management, inventory tracking, storage practices, distribution schedules.
“The guidelines can be communicated in
comprehensive set of book management
and use guides tailored to the needs of
the audience,”he said.
Bamidele, therefore, recommended that
books must be delivered before the academic
year begins to ensure curriculum alignment and enable students to access learning materials throughout critical periods.
He also advocated the developing and implementiion of a pre-distributionc communicationsystem, including track and trace to alert schools about incoming shipments,
According to Bamidele, this is to allow them to prepare for receipt and
storage effectively was critical.
He equally recommended the adoption of a standardised robust carton packaging solutions,
which is essential to minimise book damage during transport
and streamline logistics.
Bamidele said, “Avoid plastic packaging for environmental reasons, as well as providing better protection and ensuring uniformity which simplifies transport.”
Speaking further on book storage, he said schools must create, distribute and train teachers with
instructional guide on book storage
practices.
These include cleaning, organising,
labelling and maintaining storerooms to safeguard educational materials and extend their lifespan.
On book quality, Bamidele mulled developing a national standards in line with
Nigerian Educational
Research and Development Council
(NERDC) for book procurement and production.
He advocated mandating durable materials and strong bindings, and providing instructional guides for headteachers to enhance book longevity and cost efficiency was critical.
Furthermore, Bamidele recommended the creation, distribution and implementing of
instructional guide for teachers on proper
book care and handling with practical
training on integrating book management
into their classroom activities.
“Introduce book care training as part of the
school curriculum, teaching students to
handle and preserve their materials
responsibly.
“Engage families via PTA and school based management committee to promote a shared responsibility for book
care and management,”he urged.
Earlier, the Director, Education Planning, Kaduna State Ministry of Education, Salisu Lawal, said access to quality education was critical to the development of any nation.he
He added that the state government was committed to providing quality education to its citizens.
Lawal added that effective book management wad crucial to ensuring that students have access to the learning materials they need to succeed.
“When books are well-managed, they last longer, and students can use them throughout their academic journey.
“This, in turn, improves learning outcomes and helps to bridge the educational gap.
“Quality education is the foundation upon which a nation’s prosperity is built. It empowers individuals, fosters economic growth, and promotes social mobility.
“By prioritising book management and quality education, we can equip future generations with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive and contribute to the development of our state,”Lawal said.
One of the participants, Aliyu Tijjani, the Co-Chair of Citizen Group, said, ” BMUS was a reflection over something that has been lying fallow.
“Generally, the maintenance culture,
not even among the children, but the adults, is so poor.
“This calls for the need for sustainability
of whatever facility that is available in the school, it is a welcome idea.
“I think it should even extend beyond books but primarily, that is the main material that students and teachers use.
“This Is just the beginning of a journey
and I think it’s going to take us to a wider dimension so that we will be able to ensure that whatever is provided to ensure learning and teaching takes place in school.
“We must ensure maintenance culture especially in the face of scarce resources, this will lessen the burden of the government,”Tijjani said.