Parents of schoolchildren in Rivers State have called for a ban on unnecessary items in schools, citing rising economic challenges, excessive spending, and declining household income.

They lamented the high demands from schools, which they said were creating undue financial pressure and, in some cases, affecting their health.

Checks by The Guardian yesterday revealed a low turnout of pupils and students as the new academic year commenced in Rivers State and other parts of the country.

At Community Secondary School, Rumuekini, in Obio Akpor Local Council, a parent, Mr. Zabulum Ikedi, who came to register his 11-year-old daughter, lamented that the state government had abandoned its policy of free education.

“The government no longer upholds its free education policy,” he said. “Heavy financial burdens like fees, books, and uniforms are now being shifted to parents. With poor infrastructure and lack of furniture, public schools are no longer attractive.”

Meanwhile, officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Education monitored the resumption of schools across the state, which recorded a low turnout. The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Ndidi Chikanele Utchay, expressed disappointment at the poor attendance.

“I am not satisfied with the turnout of students,” Utchay said. “Parents should release their children to commence the academic year without delay.”

Similarly, the Chairman of the Rivers State Basic Education Board, Sam Ogeh, led board members on an inspection of public schools and reassured parents of the government’s readiness to address pressing challenges.

“The government is committed to taking immediate measures to tackle the shortage of teachers, particularly in the basic education sector,” Ogeh stated.

In a related development, the Plateau State Government has declared a clampdown on excesses in schools, banning multiple uniforms, flamboyant graduation ceremonies, and the practice of writing inside textbooks.

The decision followed a high-powered Stakeholders’ Engagement on Education convened by the Ministry of Education in Jos at the weekend, where critical issues affecting the state’s education sector were deliberated.

The meeting resolved that students should only purchase textbooks for reference and study purposes, while all classwork and assignments must henceforth be done in notebooks