The Benue State Government has prohibited compulsory extra lessons in schools across the state as pupils and students return for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, disclosed the directive at a press conference in Makurdi on Monday.
According to Adamu, schools are no longer allowed to force pupils or students to participate in lessons held after regular school hours.
She explained that Parent-Teacher Associations, PTAs, wishing to organise additional lessons must first secure approval from the Ministry of Education, stressing that participation must remain optional.
“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 warned proprietors, principals and other school administrators to comply with the state’s education policies, saying sanctions would be imposed on institutions found violating the guidelines.
Adamu also directed schools to restrict teaching materials to approved textbooks, warning against the use of customised or non-transferable books.
She said schools must not include the cost of textbooks in their fees, adding that parents should be allowed to buy approved books either from the schools or other sources.
The commissioner also restated the government’s restriction on graduation ceremonies for pupils in Early Childhood Care, Development and Education, ECCDE, Lower Basic and Middle Basic classes.
According to her, graduation ceremonies are permitted only for exit classes, including Basic 9, SS3 and Technical 3.
Adamu also warned against violent birthday celebrations in schools, particularly practices where pupils or students physically manhandle celebrants.
She directed school authorities to enforce existing prohibitions on bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and other forms of violence among learners.
The commissioner said the directives were part of measures to ensure compliance with education standards across public and private schools in the state.