Benue Bans Compulsory Extra Lessons In Schools

The Benue State Government has prohibited compulsory extra lessons in schools across the state as pupils and students resume for the 2026/2027 academic session.

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

Under the new directive, schools are not allowed to require learners to participate in lessons held outside normal school hours.

Adamu said Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) seeking to organise additional lessons must obtain approval from the Ministry of Education, while stressing that attendance must be voluntary.

“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,” she said.

The commissioner cautioned proprietors, principals, and other school administrators against violating the state’s education policies, warning that schools found breaching the guidelines would face sanctions.

She further instructed schools to use only textbooks approved by the relevant authorities and prohibited the adoption of customised or non-transferable books.

According to Adamu, schools must not include the cost of textbooks in their fees, as parents should have the freedom to purchase approved books either directly from schools or from other sources.

The commissioner also reiterated the state government’s ban on graduation ceremonies for pupils in Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCDE), Lower Basic and Middle Basic classes.

She said such ceremonies should be limited to exit classes, specifically Basic 9, SS3 and Technical 3.

Adamu also condemned violent birthday celebrations in schools, particularly the practice of physically manhandling pupils or students celebrating their birthdays.

She directed school authorities to strictly enforce existing measures against bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and other forms of violence among learners.

The commissioner said the measures were introduced as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen compliance with education standards and ensure proper administration of both public and private schools across the state.