The Benue State Government has introduced stricter regulations for schools across the state as the 2026/2027 academic session begins, banning compulsory extra lessons, restricting mobile phone use and tightening access to school premises.
The new directives were announced by the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, as schools resumed for the new academic year.
Adamu directed proprietors, principals, headteachers and teachers to ensure full compliance with the regulations, warning that schools and individuals who violate approved policies would face sanctions.
Under the new policy, schools are prohibited from organizing extra lessons after normal school hours without approval from the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management. Where such lessons are approved following a request by a Parent-Teacher Association, they must not be made compulsory for learners.
The government said the measure was designed partly to reduce unnecessary financial pressure on parents while ensuring that schools focus on effective teaching during regular academic hours.
The state has also prohibited learners from possessing or using mobile phones during school hours, except where their use has been specifically authorized for legitimate educational purposes under applicable school guidelines.
The government further warned individuals, non-governmental organizations and other external bodies against entering schools to conduct programs, research, advocacy or other activities without prior authorization from the education ministry.
The commissioner said the restrictions were intended to strengthen discipline, protect learners, improve school management and raise educational standards across the state.
Schools have also been directed to enforce punctuality and regular attendance, with authorities expected to address late-coming, truancy and loitering during school hours.
The government is equally taking a tougher position on violence and misconduct among learners. Bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and other forms of violence have been prohibited, with school authorities instructed to maintain safe and respectful learning environments.
Adamu also condemned what she described as “barbaric” birthday celebrations in which learners are physically manhandled by their colleagues in classrooms, hostels or other parts of school premises.
Parents and guardians were also warned against assaulting, threatening, intimidating or verbally abusing teachers, principals and other school personnel.
The government has introduced further restrictions on school graduation ceremonies. Such ceremonies will no longer be permitted for learners in early childhood, lower basic and middle basic classes. Graduation events are to be limited to recognized exit classes, including Basic 9, Senior Secondary 3 and Technical 3, which lead to certification.
Schools have also been directed to use approved textbooks, while customized and non-transferable textbooks have been prohibited. The ministry said textbook costs should not be incorporated into school fees and that parents should be free to obtain approved books from schools or other sources.
Adamu urged school heads to prioritize teaching and learning, maintain proper administrative records, monitor academic performance and ensure regular attendance by both teachers and learners.
She said the ministry would intensify monitoring, supervision and quality assurance activities to ensure that the new directives were implemented across schools.
The commissioner also highlighted interventions by the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia, including the recruitment of more than 9,000 teachers, construction and renovation of over 400 public schools, free and compulsory basic education and initiatives aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children.
She called on parents, teachers, school managers and learners to work together to improve academic outcomes and make the new session more disciplined and accountable.
The government maintained that the new measures were aimed at creating a safer and more focused learning environment while strengthening the overall quality of education in Benue State.
