MAKURDI, BENUE STATE — The Benue State Government has officially banned all primary and secondary schools across the state from conducting compulsory extra lessons after regular school hours.
The State Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu, announced the strict directive during a press conference in Makurdi on Monday, marking the official commencement of the 2026/2027 academic session. According to the ministry, the policy is explicitly designed to safeguard students, curb administrative exploitation, and dramatically alleviate unnecessary financial strain on parents and guardians.
Striking Down “Forced” After-School Fees
Under the newly enforced guidelines, school proprietors, principals, and headteachers are prohibited from forcing learners to remain behind for extended lessons. The ministry clarified that while supplementary learning isn’t entirely illegal, it can no longer be used as a mandatory cash-grab tool by school administrators.
“There shall be no lessons after regular school hours,” Dr. Adamu stated unequivocally. “Any Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) requesting extra lessons must seek formal approval from the Ministry and must absolutely not make it compulsory for learners.”
Radical War on ‘Customized’ Textbooks and Luxury Graduations
The ban on forced classes forms part of a broader, sweeping reform package introduced by the state government to make basic education affordable under Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration:
Customized Textbooks Terminated: The government has banned the extortionist use of restricted, customized, or non-transferable textbooks. Schools must return to the traditional practice where younger siblings or junior students can reuse textbooks passed down from seniors. Textbook costs can also no longer be hidden inside tuition fees.
Junior Graduation Parties Abolished: Schools are now strictly prohibited from organizing expensive graduation ceremonies for children in Early Childhood Care (ECCDE), Kindergarten, Nursery, and Lower Basic classes. Graduation events are now strictly limited to actual exit classes, specifically Basic 9, SS3, and Technical 3.
Anti-Bullying and Violence Directives: School authorities were heavily warned to clamp down on hazing, intimidation, and “barbaric” birthday rituals where students physically manhandle celebrants.
Sanctions for Erring Schools
The Ministry of Education emphasized that these policy changes apply to both public and private schools operating within Benue State.
Dr. Adamu warned that task forces will be monitoring compliance as classrooms reopen this week, adding that any school head or proprietor found violating the directives or imposing hidden fees for extra lessons will face severe administrative and legal sanctions.
