Benue govt bans phones, compulsory extra lessons, junior class graduations in schools

The Benue State Government has prohibited schools across the state from forcing pupils and students to participate in extra lessons outside regular school hours as the 2026/2027 academic session begins.

The Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, disclosed the directive on Monday during a press briefing in Makurdi.

According to the commissioner, schools are not authorised to make after-school lessons mandatory for learners.

She explained that while Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) may seek to organise additional lessons, they must obtain clearance from the Ministry of Education before doing so. She further stressed that such lessons must be 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,” she said.

Adamu urged proprietors, principals and heads of schools to strictly adhere to government-approved education policies, warning that schools that breach the directives would face appropriate sanctions.

The commissioner further instructed schools to use only textbooks approved by the relevant authorities. She cautioned against imposing customised or non-transferable textbooks on learners.

She also stated that schools were prohibited from adding textbook costs to school fees, noting that parents must have the freedom to purchase approved textbooks either directly from the schools or from other vendors.

On graduation ceremonies, Adamu reiterated the government’s ban on graduation celebrations for pupils in Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCDE), Lower Basic and Middle Basic classes.

She clarified that such ceremonies should only be held for recognised exit classes, namely Basic 9, SS3 and Technical 3.

The commissioner also expressed concern over violent birthday activities in schools, particularly incidents where pupils or students engage in physical acts against those celebrating their birthdays.

She therefore charged school administrators with ensuring strict enforcement of existing rules against bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and other forms of violence within school environments.

Adamu said the measures were introduced to strengthen adherence to established education standards and promote a safer and more orderly learning environment in both public and private schools throughout Benue State.