• Govt bans phones, customised books, birthday parties in schools
• No graduation for ECCDE, Lower, Middle Basic classes
• Extra lessons require ministry approval
The Benue State Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management has warned public and private schools against violating approved education policies, saying defaulters will face maximum sanctions.
The warning came as schools across the state resumed for the 2026/2027 academic session, with the ministry rolling out measures aimed at protecting learners, reducing financial pressure on parents, improving discipline and raising educational standards.
Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the ministry’s activities and preparations for the new academic session.
Adamu directed proprietors, principals and heads of schools to familiarise themselves with all extant policies, guidelines and directives issued by the ministry and ensure their full implementation.
She specifically announced a ban on the possession and use of mobile phones by learners during school hours, except where authorised for legitimate educational purposes under approved school guidelines.
The commissioner also prohibited the use of customised and restricted non-transferable textbooks, insisting that only approved main textbooks should be used for teaching.
According to her, the cost of textbooks must not be embedded in school fees, as parents should be free to purchase approved books either from the school or elsewhere.
She added that inherited textbooks could be used by learners provided they remained in good condition.
Adamu said schools must also comply with the ministry’s requirements on appropriate insurance cover for learners, as provided through NICON Insurance.
No graduation for lower classes
The commissioner further banned graduation ceremonies for learners 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 whose pupils and students would receive certificates, including Upper Basic 9, Senior Secondary 3 and Technical 3.
Adamu also prohibited lessons after regular school hours, saying any Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) seeking to organise extra lessons must obtain approval from the ministry.
She stressed that such lessons must not be made compulsory for learners.
The commissioner equally condemned what she described as “barbaric” birthday celebrations in which learners manhandle or assault celebrants in schools, classrooms or hostels.
She directed school authorities to ensure that such practices were stopped.
On the welfare of teachers and school administrators, Adamu warned parents and guardians against assaulting, threatening, intimidating or verbally abusing teachers, principals and other school workers.
She advised parents with genuine grievances to channel their complaints through the appropriate authorities.
Adamu said the ministry’s policies were designed to protect learners and improve the overall quality of education in the state.
“The policies of the Ministry are designed to protect learners, reduce unnecessary financial burdens on parents, improve discipline, strengthen school management and raise the standard of education in the state.”
She warned that ignorance of existing policies would not be accepted as an excuse for non-compliance.
“I therefore warn that non-compliance with approved policies and directives will attract appropriate sanctions in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and guidelines.”
The commissioner said the ministry would intensify monitoring, supervision and quality assurance activities across schools to ensure compliance with its directives.
She urged school proprietors, principals and heads to approach the new academic session with renewed commitment, discipline and determination to improve learning outcomes.
According to her, the new session provides an opportunity to strengthen education in Benue and produce responsible, knowledgeable, skilled and patriotic citizens in line with the vision of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Adamu also appealed to parents and guardians to support their children’s education by providing necessary learning materials, including approved textbooks, exercise books, writing materials and other educational requirements.
She urged parents to monitor their children’s attendance, conduct and academic progress while maintaining effective communication with school authorities.
