Stakeholders hail FCT Education Resource Centre at 30th Annual Bookfair

Stakeholders in the education sector have praised the Federal Capital Territory Education Resource Centre (FCT ERC) for three decades of dedication to promoting literacy, research, and academic excellence through its Annual Bookfair.

The commendations came on Tuesday during the opening of the 30th edition of the bookfair, held at the ERC headquarters in Abuja. Representatives from 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, applauded the Centre for sustaining what they described as a “true hub of knowledge.”

They lauded the ERC for its role as the academic nerve centre of the FCT Education Secretariat, providing services such as admissions and placement, teacher development, research support, examination and certification, curriculum implementation, and library services.

Beyond the accolades, the stakeholders also raised concerns over the circulation of pirated books in schools, pledging their support for the Centre’s campaign to rid the system of substandard and counterfeit learning materials.

Declaring the fair open, the FCT Secretary for Education, Dr Danlami Hayyo—represented by the Director of Quality Assurance, Hajiya Titillayo Alayande—said the fair had grown into a reliable platform for schools, parents, and learners to access quality and affordable materials ahead of each academic year.

“The bookfair strengthens our collective resolve to fight book piracy and eliminate substandard resources that undermine the integrity of our education system,” Hayyo said. He urged parents, teachers, and learners to take advantage of the fair to acquire the right and recommended textbooks.

In her welcome address, the ERC Director, Dr Neemat Abdulrahim, described the fair as a tradition that began in 1996 and has expanded into a one-stop shop for quality educational resources sold at publishers’ prices.

She outlined the key objectives of the fair, including improving access to curriculum-based textbooks, showcasing ERC publications, and fostering a culture of reading. Abdulrahim also expressed appreciation to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the Education Secretariat leadership for their continued support.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Head of Curriculum Division, Dr Fadimatu Bello Ibrahim, assured participants that the Centre would remain committed to efficient academic service delivery across both public and private schools in the Territory.

The event, which was well attended by education stakeholders, was rounded off with an inspection of book stands by dignitaries.