The Federal Capital Territory Education Resource Centre (FCT-ERC) of the Education Secretariat has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining a culture of quality learning and academic excellence through its various activities, including the Annual FCT Book Fair, which has, over the years, evolved into a major academic and educational resource hub for schools, teachers, parents, learners, publishers and other stakeholders.
The reaffirmation came as the Centre held the 31st Annual FCT Book Fair, an event that provides a platform for showcasing quality educational materials, encouraging reading and improving access to relevant learning resources.
Speaking at the occasion, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, represented by the Director, FCT Department of Quality Assurance, Hajia Titilayo Alayande, said the Federal Capital Territory Administration remained committed to ensuring that learners across the Territory have access to current, relevant and quality-assured instructional materials.
He disclosed that the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, had approved the review of textbooks and other educational resources used in FCT schools.
The review, he explained, would ensure that textbooks are properly aligned with the current National Curriculum and meet the required standards of quality and relevance. Publishers would be invited to submit appropriate materials, which would subsequently undergo a professional review process before a new recommended Book List is produced for schools across the FCT.
He stressed, however, that the existing approved Book List remains valid and should continue to be used by schools until a new Book List is officially released.
In her remarks, the Ag. Head of the Civil Service, FCT, Mrs. Nancy Nathan Sabanti, mni, represented by the Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, described the 31st Annual FCT Book Fair as a landmark event which goes beyond an exhibition of books and educational materials, but serves as a veritable platform for promoting reading, knowledge acquisition, intellectual development and quality education delivery.
She stressed that, despite the rapid advancement of technology and changing approaches to learning, books and other quality learning resources remain indispensable tools for effective teaching and learning and the successful implementation of school curricula.
Sabanti commended the FCT Education Resource Centre, publishers, booksellers, authors, educators and other stakeholders for sustaining the event for over three decades, urging them to strengthen their partnership towards providing learners and educators with quality, relevant and affordable educational resources.
She also called on parents, teachers, school administrators, students and members of the public to take advantage of the one month-long Book Fair and cultivate the habit of reading.
While declaring the Book Fair open, the Ag. Head of Service reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to creating an enabling environment for quality education, improving learning outcomes and promoting a strong reading culture among children and young people.
Speaking earlier, the Director, FCT Education Resource Centre, Dr. Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, explained that the Book Fair, which commenced in 1996, had grown significantly over the years, providing a convenient platform where schools and other education stakeholders could access curriculum-based textbooks, general titles and other instructional materials.
She described the Education Resource Centre as an academic hub of the FCT Administration, noting that beyond providing access to books, the Annual Book Fair is designed to encourage and sustain a strong reading culture among students and the wider public.
According to her, reading remains fundamental to academic development, lifelong learning and intellectual growth.
She added that the Book Fair also provides an avenue for publishers, booksellers and authors to interact directly with schools and other stakeholders while showcasing educational publications and resources.
Dr. Abdulrahim further disclosed that the Centre’s publications and educational resources, including the Information Handbook on FCT Schools, Book List, Guidelines on the Conduct of Examinations, Past Question Papers and Counselling Materials, were also being showcased as part of the Book Fair.
The Director expressed appreciation to the publishers, booksellers, schools, parents, teachers and other stakeholders for their sustained partnership, noting that the continued growth of the Book Fair demonstrates a collective commitment to advancing quality education in the FCT.
ERC Commended for Sustaining Culture of Educational Quality.
Others who spoke at the event also commended the Education Resource Centre, describing it as a true hub for sustaining a culture of educational quality.
They noted that under the leadership of the Director and her team, the Centre has continued to provide valuable opportunities for learning, knowledge sharing, monitoring and coordination of various examinations in the FCT, access to quality educational resources, and the discovery of innovative approaches to education, in fulfilment of its mandate.
They commended the Centre for its continued contribution to strengthening the education system and promoting academic excellence across the Territory.
The highlights of the well-attended and colourful event included a tour of the various exhibition stands led by the representative of the Head of the Civil Service and other dignitaries present, providing guests with an opportunity to explore the wide range of books, educational materials and resources on display.