As schools resume, Benue State issues rules on textbooks, after-class lessons, graduation ceremonies

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The Benue State Government has banned schools from conducting compulsory lessons after regular hours as students resume for the 2026/2027 academic session.

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The Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, announced the directive at a press conference in Makurdi on Monday.

Mrs Adamu said Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) that wish to organise lessons outside regular hours must obtain approval from the ministry.

She, however, said such lessons must not be made compulsory for students, even when approval has been granted.

“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.

The directive applies to schools across the state, with proprietors, principals and heads of schools directed to ensure strict compliance with existing education policies and guidelines.

Mrs Adamu warned that schools and individuals who violate the directives would face appropriate sanctions.

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Textbooks

The commissioner also directed schools to use only textbooks approved by the state government for teaching.

She prohibited the use of restricted or customised non-transferable textbooks and directed schools not to include the cost of textbooks in school fees.

According to her, parents should be allowed to purchase approved textbooks from schools or other sources.

Graduation ceremonies

The government also restated its restriction on graduation ceremonies for pupils in some basic education classes.

Mrs Adamu said schools were prohibited from organising graduation ceremonies for learners in Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCDE), Lower Basic and Middle Basic classes.

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She said graduation ceremonies should only be held for exit classes, including Basic 9, Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) and Technical 3.

Bullying, violence

The commissioner further warned schools against practices that expose learners to violence and humiliation.

She specifically condemned birthday celebrations in which students force or assault celebrants, describing such practices as unacceptable.

School authorities were directed to enforce existing bans on bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing, and other forms of violence among learners.

The directives came as schools in Benue resumed for the 2026/2027 academic session, with the government urging school authorities to comply with education policies governing teaching, student welfare and school activities.