The Benue State Government has introduced a raft of new measures in public and private schools, including a ban on unauthorised external activities, after-school extra lessons and the use of mobile phones during school hours.
The Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, announced the directives on Monday during a press briefing in Makurdi, saying the measures were aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents, improving discipline and raising educational standards.
Adamu said no individual, non-governmental organisation (NGO), private organisation or other external body would be allowed to access schools or conduct programmes, research, advocacy or interventions without prior approval from the ministry.
She also directed schools to discontinue extra lessons after normal school hours, stressing that learners must make effective use of regular classroom periods.
The commissioner further banned the use of mobile phones by learners during school hours and warned school authorities to ensure strict compliance.
According to her, the new academic session commenced on Monday, September 7, with students expected 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,” she said.
Adamu also condemned what she described as “barbaric ways of celebrating birthdays”, warning learners against assaulting or manhandling celebrants in classrooms, schools and hostels.
She equally cautioned parents and guardians against assaulting, threatening, intimidating or verbally abusing teachers, principals and other school staff.
The commissioner warned that bullying, harassment, hazing, intimidation and other forms of violence among learners would not be tolerated.
“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.
On external activities in schools, Adamu stated: “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.”
She said the new policies were intended to protect learners, strengthen school management, promote discipline, reduce unnecessary expenses for parents and improve the overall quality of education across the state.
Adamu warned that schools and individuals who violate the directives would face sanctions under 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 school proprietors, principals and heads of schools to familiarise themselves with all ministry directives and ensure their full implementation.
“Ignorance of an existing policy will not be accepted as an excuse for non-compliance,” she added.
