The Benue State Government has banned compulsory extra lessons in schools across the state as pupils and students resume for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, announced the directive during a press conference in Makurdi on Monday.
Adamu said schools would no longer be allowed to compel pupils or students to attend lessons beyond regular school hours.
She explained that Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) seeking to organise additional lessons must obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Education, while participation in such lessons must remain voluntary.
“There shall be no lessons after regular school hours. Any PTA requesting extra lessons must seek approval from the Ministry and must not make it compulsory,” the commissioner said.
She warned proprietors, principals and other school administrators to comply with the state’s education policies, adding that institutions found violating the directives would face sanctions.
Adamu also directed schools to use only textbooks approved by the Ministry of Education, warning against the use of customised or non-transferable books.
According to her, schools must not include the cost of textbooks in school fees, as parents should be free to purchase approved textbooks either from the schools or other sources.
The commissioner further reiterated the government’s restriction on graduation ceremonies for pupils in Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCDE), Lower Basic and Middle Basic classes.
She said graduation ceremonies would only be permitted for exit classes, including Basic 9, Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) and Technical 3.
Adamu also cautioned schools against violent birthday celebrations, particularly practices involving the physical manhandling of celebrants.
She directed school authorities to enforce existing regulations against bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and other forms of violence among learners.
The commissioner said the measures were aimed at strengthening compliance with education standards and ensuring a safer and more disciplined learning environment across public and private schools in Benue State.
Comments