The 2018 book review was held at the conference hall of the Rivers State Ministry of Education. The participants were teachers drawn from public schools in the state and were experts in different subjects.
In his address, the state commissioner of education Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, said that the book review is geared towards a systematic and careful review of books that will be in line with the prevailing basic education.
He also advised parents and guardians to be careful and be unbiased in reviewing necessary books that can guide both public/private schools in academic work.
Also, the commissioner of education encouraged parents to address the issue of whack books which is dominating the education industry, mostly at the primary and secondary level.
Moreso he said the curriculum has provided new subjects like Civil Education, Intro-Tech, French and basic science for the new basic class (JSS 1-3) and senior secondary. It is left for the assessors to draw up books that can meet both national and state requirements on the subject, he said.
He said: “You are aware that this review would have been limited to junior and senior secondary school alone, but because of the new development in primary and junior school, which has been introduced and made compulsory to be taught with effect as schools resume in September for a new academic calendar, we are reviewing all levels to accommodate History in primary 1-6 and SS 1-3.
“I also, urge you to be upright in justifying this crucial confidence reposed on you to be part of this decision-making which will steer our educational progress in the future “.
The commissioner also warned that head of schools and teachers who connive with publishers/ authors will be severely disciplined.
The commissioner said the next book review for academic work will hold in three years time and therefore advised publishers/ authors to present their books for review.
