The Benue State Government has banned extra lessons after regular school hours and the use of mobile phones during school hours in public and private schools across the state.
The Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, announced the measures on Monday during a press briefing in Makurdi, saying the policies were aimed at reducing unnecessary financial burdens on parents, improving discipline and raising the standard of education in the state.
Adamu also announced a ban on unauthorised access to private and public schools by individuals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), organisations and other external bodies.
“No NGO, individual, organisation or external body shall enter a school to conduct programmes, activities, research, advocacy or interventions without the appropriate authorisation from the ministry of education and knowledge management,” the commissioner said.
She said the new academic session commenced on Monday, September 7, urging learners to resume on time, attend classes regularly and remain within authorised school areas.
“Learners are expected to resume school on time, attend classes regularly and remain within authorised school areas. Late coming, truancy and loitering during school hours must be firmly addressed by school authorities,” Adamu said.
The commissioner further warned against bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and other forms of violence among learners, directing school authorities to maintain safe and respectful learning environments.
“Bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and all forms of violence among learners are strictly prohibited. School authorities must establish and maintain safe, respectful and inclusive learning environments,” she said.
Adamu also condemned what she described as “barbaric ways of celebrating birthdays” in schools, warning learners against manhandling birthday celebrants in classrooms, schools and hostels.
She equally cautioned parents and guardians against assaulting, threatening, intimidating or verbally abusing teachers, principals and other school personnel.
According to the commissioner, the new measures were designed to protect learners, reduce unnecessary financial burdens on parents, improve discipline, strengthen school management and enhance the quality of education across Benue State.
Adamu warned that schools and individuals who violate the approved policies would face sanctions in line with relevant laws and regulations.
“I therefore warn that non-compliance with approved policies and directives will attract appropriate sanctions in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and guidelines,” she said.
She directed proprietors, principals and heads of schools to familiarise themselves with all relevant directives issued by the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management and ensure their full implementation.
“School proprietors, principals and heads of schools are expected to familiarise themselves with all relevant Ministry directives and ensure full implementation. Ignorance of an existing policy will not be accepted as an excuse for non-compliance,” Adamu said.
