The Benue State government has banned schools across the state from conducting compulsory extra lessons after regular school hours as learners resume for the 2026/2027 academic session.

State Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Mrs Margaret Adamu, who handed the directive on Monday during a press conference in Makurdi said any Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) seeking to organise extra lessons must obtain approval from the ministry.

She stressed that such lessons based on approval must not be made compulsory for learners.

The commissioner further directed proprietors, principals and heads of schools to ensure strict compliance with all education policies and guidelines, warning that defaulters would face appropriate sanctions.

“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 also directed schools to use only approved main textbooks for teaching, while prohibiting restricted or customised non-transferable books.

Adamu also said that the cost of textbooks must not be embedded in school fees, adding that parents remained free to purchase approved books from schools or elsewhere.

She added that on graduation ceremonies, schools remained prohibited from holding graduation ceremonies for learners in Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCDE), Lower Basic and Middle Basic classes, limiting such ceremonies to exit classes such as Basic 9, SS3 and Technical 3.

The commissioner further warned schools against allowing barbaric birthday celebrations in which learners manhandle celebrants, while directing school authorities to enforce the ban on bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and all forms of violence among learners. (Daily Trust)