The Benue State Government has introduced stricter regulations for public and private schools as pupils and students return for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The new directives include a ban on compulsory extra lessons after regular school hours, unauthorised use of mobile phones during school hours and access to school premises by individuals or organisations without approval.
The Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, announced the measures during a media briefing in Makurdi as schools resumed for the new academic session.
Under the new policy, schools are prohibited from organising compulsory extra lessons after normal teaching hours.
The government said the measure was introduced partly to reduce unnecessary financial pressure on parents and prevent schools from imposing additional costs on families.
Schools are also barred from allowing pupils and students to use mobile phones during school hours without proper authorisation.
The directive applies to both public and private schools across the state.
The Ministry of Education further prohibited individuals, non-governmental organisations and other external bodies from gaining access to school premises without approval.
The government also warned schools against forcing parents to purchase customised or non-transferable textbooks.
According to the ministry, the measure is aimed at reducing avoidable expenses for families and preventing practices capable of imposing additional financial burdens on parents.
The government also banned graduation ceremonies for pupils and students who are not in exit classes.
The Ministry warned proprietors, principals and heads of schools that violations of approved education policies could attract sanctions.
Adamu urged school authorities to familiarise themselves with the ministry's policies and ensure strict compliance with the directives.
She said the measures were designed to protect learners, improve discipline and strengthen the quality of education across the state.
The government also encouraged schools to comply with requirements relating to insurance coverage for learners.
The new regulations come as schools across Benue State's 23 local government areas commence the 2026/2027 academic year.
The administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia has continued to emphasise tighter regulation of schools as part of efforts to improve educational standards and protect pupils and students.
The state government is expected to monitor compliance across public and private schools, with the Ministry of Education warning that breaches of the directives will attract sanctions.