The Benue State Government has banned schools across the state from compelling pupils and students to attend extra lessons after regular school hours.
The directive was announced on Monday, September 7, 2026, by the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, during a press conference in Makurdi as schools resumed for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Adamu said schools would no longer be permitted to require learners to remain after normal school hours for additional lessons.
She, however, clarified that Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) wishing to organise extra lessons must first obtain approval from the Ministry of Education.
According to the commissioner, even where approval is granted, participation in such lessons must remain voluntary and 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,” Adamu said.
She warned proprietors, principals and heads of schools to comply strictly with the state’s education policies and guidelines, noting that institutions that violate the directives would face appropriate sanctions.
The commissioner also directed schools to use only textbooks approved by the Ministry, while prohibiting customised or non-transferable books. She added that the cost of textbooks must not be included in school fees, allowing parents to purchase approved books either from schools or elsewhere.
Adamu further announced restrictions on graduation ceremonies, saying such ceremonies would not be held for ECCDE, Lower Basic and Middle Basic classes. Graduation ceremonies would instead be limited to exit classes, including Basic 9, SS3 and Technical 3.
The government also warned schools against bullying, harassment, intimidation, hazing and other forms of violence among learners, while cautioning against violent birthday celebrations in which students physically manhandle celebrants.
The commissioner said the measures were aimed at protecting learners, reducing unnecessary financial burdens on parents, improving discipline and strengthening the quality of education across the state.
