Benue Bans Extra Lessons, Phones For Students In New School Term
The Benue State Government has introduced stricter regulations for schools as pupils and students return for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The new measures include a ban on compulsory extra lessons after regular school hours, unauthorised use of mobile phones during school hours and access to schools by individuals or organisations without approval.
The Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, announced the directives during a media briefing in Makurdi as schools resumed for the new academic session.
Under the new policy, schools are prohibited from organising compulsory extra lessons after normal teaching hours. The government said the measure is intended, among other objectives, to reduce unnecessary financial pressure on parents.
Schools are also barred from allowing pupils and students to use mobile phones during school hours without authorisation.
The directive applies to both public and private schools across the state.
The government has further prohibited individuals, non-governmental organisations and other external bodies from gaining unauthorised access to school premises.
The Ministry of Education also warned schools against forcing parents to purchase customised or non-transferable textbooks.
The policy is aimed at reducing avoidable expenses for families and preventing practices that could impose additional financial burdens on parents.
The government also prohibited graduation ceremonies for pupils and students who are not in exit classes.
The Ministry warned proprietors, principals and heads of schools that violations of approved education policies could attract sanctions.
Adamu urged school authorities to familiarise themselves with the ministry’s policies and ensure strict compliance.
She said the directives were designed to protect learners, improve discipline and strengthen the quality of education across the state.
The government has also encouraged schools to comply with requirements concerning insurance coverage for learners.
The new rules come as schools across Benue’s 23 local government areas begin the 2026/2027 academic year.
The administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia has continued to emphasise tighter regulation of schools as part of efforts to improve standards and protect pupils and students.
The government is expected to monitor compliance across public and private schools, with the education ministry warning that breaches of the directives will attract sanctions.
