The Benue State Government has banned compulsory extra lessons in all schools across the state as pupils and students resumed for the 2026/2027 academic session, directing schools to make any additional classes voluntary.
The Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, announced the directive during a press conference in Makurdi on Monday, stating that schools would no longer be allowed to compel learners to attend lessons beyond normal school hours.
Adamu explained that Parent-Teacher Associations wishing to organise extra lessons must first obtain approval from the Ministry of Education, adding that participation must not be made mandatory for students.
“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 stated.
The commissioner warned school proprietors, principals and administrators to comply with the state’s education policies, noting that institutions found violating the guidelines would face sanctions.
She also directed schools to use only approved textbooks and warned against the adoption of customised or non-transferable learning materials.
Adamu stated that schools must not include textbook costs as part of compulsory fees, stressing that parents should have the freedom to purchase approved books either from the schools or alternative sources.
The commissioner further reaffirmed 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 would only be permitted for exit classes, including Basic 9, Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) and Technical Three (Technical 3).
Adamu also cautioned schools against violent birthday celebrations, particularly practices involving the physical harassment or manhandling of students celebrating their birthdays.
She directed school authorities to enforce existing measures against bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and other forms of violence among learners.
The commissioner said the new directives were designed to strengthen compliance with education standards and improve discipline across public and private schools in Benue State.
