Key Takeaways
- Compulsory extra lessons after regular school hours are now banned; voluntary lessons require ministry approval and must not be mandatory.
- Schools must use only approved main textbooks, prohibiting restricted or customized versions, and their cost cannot be bundled with school fees.
- Graduation ceremonies are now strictly limited to exit classes such as Basic 9, SS3, and Technical 3, banning them for younger learners.
- A strict ban is enforced against bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing, and 'barbaric' birthday celebrations involving physical manhandling.
In a significant move to reform the state's educational landscape, the Benue State government has announced a comprehensive set of new policies aimed at alleviating parental burdens, standardizing learning materials, and enhancing student safety. These directives, which take effect as learners resume for the 2026/2027 academic session, signal a firm commitment to improving the quality and accessibility of education.
Reforming After-School Education
One of the most impactful directives is the outright ban on compulsory extra lessons after regular school hours. Mrs. Margaret Adamu, the State Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, delivered this mandate during a press conference in Makurdi. She emphasized that any Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) wishing to organize supplementary lessons must first obtain explicit approval from the Ministry. Crucially, even with approval, such lessons must remain entirely voluntary and cannot be made compulsory for any learner. This policy aims to reduce the academic pressure on students and ease the financial strain on parents often associated with mandatory after-school programs.
Standardizing Textbooks and Costs
Addressing another common concern, the Ministry has also moved to standardize textbook usage and pricing. Schools are now directed to use only approved main textbooks for teaching, with a strict prohibition against restricted or customized non-transferable books. This measure is expected to curb practices where schools might mandate specific, often more expensive, versions of textbooks that cannot be resold or passed down. Furthermore, Commissioner Adamu explicitly stated that the cost of textbooks must not be embedded within school fees, granting parents the freedom to purchase approved books from schools or any other vendor of their choice. This empowers parents with greater control over educational expenses and fosters a more competitive market for learning materials.
Rethinking School Celebrations and Student Safety
The new guidelines also extend to school celebrations and student conduct. The Ministry has prohibited schools from holding graduation ceremonies for learners in Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCDE), Lower Basic, and Middle Basic classes. Such ceremonies are now strictly limited to exit classes, including Basic 9, SS3, and Technical 3. This aims to reduce unnecessary expenditure and focus celebratory efforts on significant academic milestones. In a critical move to ensure a safer learning environment, the Commissioner issued a stern warning against allowing 'barbaric' birthday celebrations where learners might physically manhandle celebrants. School authorities are now mandated to enforce a comprehensive ban on bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing, and all forms of violence among learners, underscoring the government's commitment to student well-being.
Enforcement and Compliance
Commissioner Adamu concluded her address by issuing a clear warning to proprietors, principals, and heads of schools: strict compliance with all education policies and guidelines is mandatory. She stressed that any defaulters would face appropriate sanctions, signaling the government's resolve to ensure these reforms are effectively implemented across the state. This firm stance is crucial for the successful execution of these far-reaching changes.
Why This Matters
These comprehensive educational reforms in Benue State represent a significant step towards creating a more equitable, affordable, and safer learning environment for all students. By addressing issues like financial exploitation, academic pressure, and school violence, the government aims to enhance the overall quality of education and foster a conducive atmosphere for academic growth and personal development, potentially setting a precedent for other states.