By Sani Idris

In a bid to bolster the outcome of learning in Kaduna schools, Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE), has recommended an effective book management system across public schools in the state.

The recommendations, which resulted from PLANE’s survey in 2024, identified inefficiencies in book distribution, storage, handling, and training. The survey, known as the Book Management and Use Survey (BMUS), was conducted in Jigawa, Kaduna, and Kano states.

Presenting the BMUS findings at an engagement in Kaduna, the State Reform Facilitator of PLANE, Mr. Mubarak Siraj, said the survey 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 broader educational outcomes improved across the regions.

He noted that PLANE Programme has been instrumental in supporting Kaduna state with the review, production, and distribution of teaching and learning materials across the PLANE focal LGAs.

The survey aimed to identify the factors contributing to book deterioration, assess current distribution, storage, and utilization practices, and collaborate with stakeholders to develop solutions for improving the longevity and efficiency of educational materials.

Presenting the key findings of the BMUS, 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, adding that financial inefficiencies also arose from frequent replacements due to poor book management.

To address these challenges, Bamidele 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 recommended developing and implementing a pre-distribution communication system, including track and trace to alert schools about incoming shipments, allowing them to prepare for receipt and storage effectively.

Furthermore, Bamidele recommended the adoption of standardized robust carton packaging solutions, which is essential to minimize book damage during transport and streamline logistics.

He equally emphasized the importance of creating, distributing, and training teachers with instructional guides on book storage practices, including cleaning, organizing, labeling, and maintaining storerooms to safeguard educational materials and extend their lifespan.

On book quality, Bamidele said developing national standards in line with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) for book procurement and production, mandating durable materials and strong bindings, and providing instructional guides for headteachers to enhance book longevity and cost efficiency was critical.

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, adding that the state government was committed to providing quality education to its citizens.

He added that effective book management is 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 prioritizing 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 at the high-level event, Aliyu Tijjani, the Co-chair of Citizen Group, said the BMUS is a reflection of something that has been lying fallow.

He lamented that 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 and 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.