The Benue State Government has banned schools across the state from conducting compulsory extra lessons after regular school hours, as the new academic session commenced on Monday, September 7.
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The State Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, issued the directive during a press conference in Makurdi, the state capital.
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Adamu said any Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) intending to organise extra lessons must first obtain approval from the ministry, stressing that 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,” she said.
The commissioner directed proprietors, principals and heads of schools to ensure strict compliance with all education policies and guidelines, warning that defaulters would face appropriate sanctions.
Adamu further directed schools to use only approved main textbooks for teaching, prohibiting the use of restricted or customised non-transferable books. She added that the cost of textbooks must not be embedded in school fees, noting that parents remained free to purchase approved books from schools or from other sources.
On graduation ceremonies, the commissioner said schools remained prohibited from holding such events for learners in Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCDE), Lower Basic and Middle Basic classes. She said graduation ceremonies would be limited to exit classes, including Basic 9, SS3 and Technical 3.
Adamu also warned schools against permitting birthday celebrations that involve learners manhandling celebrants, describing such practices as barbaric. She directed school authorities to enforce the ban on bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and all forms of violence among learners.
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