The Benue State Government has banned schools across the state from conducting compulsory extra lessons after regular school hours as students resume for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The State Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Mrs Margaret Adamu, announced the directive on Monday during a press conference in Makurdi.
According to the commissioner, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) that wish to organise extra lessons must first obtain approval from the Ministry of Education.
However, she stressed that even where approval is granted, participation in such lessons must not be made compulsory for learners.
“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,” Adamu said.
The commissioner directed proprietors, principals and heads of schools to strictly comply with the state’s education policies and guidelines, warning that schools that violate the directives would face appropriate sanctions.
Schools barred from imposing specific textbooks
Adamu also directed schools to use only approved main textbooks for teaching and learning.
She prohibited the use of restricted or customised non-transferable textbooks and clarified that the cost of textbooks must not be included in school fees.
According to her, parents should be allowed to purchase approved textbooks either from the schools or from other sources.
Graduation ceremonies restricted
The commissioner further announced restrictions on graduation ceremonies in schools.
She said schools were not permitted to organise graduation ceremonies for learners in Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCDE), Lower Basic and Middle Basic classes.
Graduation ceremonies, she explained, should only be held for exit classes, including Basic 9, SS3 and Technical 3.
Government warns against bullying, violent celebrations
The state government also warned schools against allowing violent or degrading birthday celebrations among learners.
Adamu described as unacceptable practices in which students manhandle or assault classmates during birthday celebrations.
She directed school authorities to strictly enforce existing bans on bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and all forms of violence among learners.
The government said the measures were aimed at strengthening compliance with education policies and creating safer and more conducive learning environments across Benue State.
