Benue State Sets New Rules for Schools as New Academic Year Begins

The Benue State Government has stopped schools from holding mandatory lessons after regular hours as students return for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, shared this news at a press conference in Makurdi on Monday.

Mrs Adamu explained that Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) wanting to hold lessons outside regular hours must get approval from the ministry.

She emphasized that these lessons should not be compulsory for students, even if approval is 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.

This directive applies to all schools in the state. School owners, principals, and heads of schools must ensure they follow the existing education policies and guidelines.

Mrs Adamu also warned that schools and individuals who break these rules will face appropriate penalties.

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

She banned the use of restricted or special textbooks and told schools not to add textbook costs to school fees.

According to her, parents should be free to buy approved textbooks from schools or other places.

The government also reminded schools about the ban on graduation ceremonies for some basic education classes.

Mrs Adamu said schools cannot hold graduation ceremonies for students in Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCDE), Lower Basic, and Middle Basic classes.

She stated that graduation ceremonies should only take place for exit classes, such as Basic 9, Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3), and Technical 3.

The commissioner further cautioned schools against actions that could lead to violence and humiliation for students.

She specifically condemned birthday celebrations where students pressure or attack celebrants, calling such actions unacceptable.

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

These directives come as schools in Benue begin the 2026/2027 academic session. The government is urging school leaders to stick to the education policies that cover teaching, student welfare, and school activities.