STAKEHOLDERS COMMEND FCT ERC AT 30TH ANNUAL BOOKFAIR.

By: Odugbo Sarah

Stakeholders in the Education Sector have commended the Federal Capital Territory Education Resource Centre (FCT ERC) of the Education Secretariat for its unwavering commitment and consistency towards ensuring that Education Standards are not compromised, while sustaining the FCT Annual Bookfair for the past 30 years.

The commendation came during the opening ceremony of the 30th FCT Annual Bookfair held at the Education Resource Centre, Abuja. The various stakeholders, who turned out in large numbers, applauded the Centre for being a true hub of knowledge, stressing that the ERC has continued to provide a unique platform where the culture of reading, teaching, and learning is nurtured and sustained.

The Stakeholders further stated that the Centre, over the years, has been the academic nerve of the Education Secretariat, consistently providing efficient and effective academic services in the Territory. They acknowledged its key role in admissions and placement, promotion of research, provision of library services, teacher development, setting of examinations and certification, as well as implementation of curriculum.

The various stakeholders, which include the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), the All-Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Publishers, and the Nigerian Librarians Association (NLA), among others, also added their voices to condemn the circulation of pirated books. They assured the Centre of their continuous support in the fight against piracy in the Federal Capital Territory’s Education Sector by making sure schools are free from the negative effects of pirated books.

Declaring the Book Fair open, the Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, represented by the Director of the Department of Quality Assurance, Hajia Titillayo Alayande, said the book fair has provided a reliable hub that eases back-to-school preparation by making quality materials accessible, affordable, and engaging.

He noted that this strengthens the collective resolve to combat book piracy and stop the circulation of substandard learning resources, which undermine the integrity of the education system.

He called on everyone, as stakeholders, to renew their commitment to sustaining quality Education in the FCT while thanking the Centre, publishers, and booksellers for their partnership in advancing education. He further urged parents, guardians, teachers, and learners to use the bookfair opportunity to acquire the right and recommended books for the new school year.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Director of the Centre, Dr. Neemat Abdulrahim, described the bookfair as a strong tradition that began in 1996 and has since grown into a platform where schools, teachers, parents, learners, publishers, and authors converge to access quality educational resources at publishers’ prices in a one-stop shop.

Dr. Abdulrahim highlighted the objectives of the fair, which include providing access to curriculum-based textbooks and instructional materials, showcasing ERC publications, and promoting a sustainable culture of reading

She also expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike and the entire management Team of the Education Secretariat led by Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo for their continuous support and commitment.

Giving her vote of thanks, the Head of the Curriculum Division, Dr. Fadimatu Bello Ibrahim, acknowledged the efforts of the Stakeholders for their active participation in the 30th Annual Bookfair. She assured that the Centre will not relent in its efforts to continue providing efficient and effective academic services to all levels in both the public and private sectors within the Federal Capital Territory and its environment.

The highlight of the well-attended event was the inspection of the book stands by the dignitaries.