The Benue State Government has banned schools across the state from conducting compulsory extra lessons after regular school hours as schools resume for the new academic session today, September 7.
The State Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, announced the directive on Monday during a press conference in Makurdi.
Adamu said Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) seeking to organise extra lessons must first obtain approval from the Ministry of Education. She stressed that even approved 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,” the commissioner said.
She directed proprietors, principals and school heads to comply with education policies, warning that defaulters would face sanctions. The commissioner also ordered schools to use only approved main textbooks and prohibited restricted or customised non-transferable books.
She said textbook costs must not be included in school fees, allowing parents to buy approved books from schools or elsewhere. Schools were further reminded that graduation ceremonies are prohibited for ECCDE, Lower Basic and Middle Basic classes, except exit classes such as Basic 9, SS3 and Technical 3.
Adamu also warned against violent birthday celebrations and directed schools to enforce bans on bullying, harassment, hazing, intimidation and other forms of violence.
