Susan Abayomi
The Benue State Government has introduced new regulations for schools across the state, including a ban on compulsory extra lessons after regular school hours.
The directive was announced by the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu, as schools resumed for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Under the new policy, schools are not permitted to compel pupils or students to participate in lessons outside the approved school timetable.
However, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) seeking to organise additional lessons must first obtain approval from the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management. Even when approval is granted, participation by learners must remain voluntary.
The commissioner directed school proprietors, principals, headteachers and other administrators to ensure strict compliance with the government’s education policies, warning that violations would attract appropriate sanctions.
Adamu said the measures were designed to protect learners, reduce unnecessary financial pressure on parents, strengthen discipline and improve the overall standard of education across the state.
The government also introduced restrictions concerning learning materials, directing schools to use only textbooks approved by the Ministry. Customised or non-transferable textbooks were prohibited, while schools were instructed not to include textbook costs in school fees.
Parents are to remain free to purchase approved textbooks either from their children’s schools or from other sources.
The state government further restated its restriction on graduation ceremonies for learners who are not in recognised exit classes. According to the directive, graduation ceremonies will not be permitted for pupils in Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCDE), Lower Basic and Middle Basic classes.
Such ceremonies will instead be limited to exit classes, including Basic 9, SS3 and Technical 3.
The Commissioner also warned school authorities against bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and other forms of violence among learners.
She particularly condemned birthday celebrations in which pupils or students physically manhandle celebrants, describing such practices as unacceptable in classrooms, hostels or other school premises.
The government also directed schools to maintain safe, respectful and inclusive learning environments for all learners.
In addition, learners have been restricted from possessing or using mobile phones during school hours, except where such use is specifically authorised for legitimate educational purposes under applicable school guidelines.
The commissioner warned that ignorance of the state’s existing education policies would not be accepted as an excuse for non-compliance.
She urged school managers, teachers, parents and learners to work together to ensure that the new academic session records improvements in discipline, teaching and learning outcomes.
The directives form part of the Benue State Government’s broader efforts to strengthen school management, protect learners and ensure greater compliance with approved education standards across the state.
