THE BENUE State Government has warned school proprietors and administrators against violating education policies, saying non-compliance will attract appropriate sanctions.
Dr Margaret Adamu, the state Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, stated this on Monday in Makurdi.
Adamu urged learners, teachers, parents and education managers to approach the new session with renewed commitment, discipline and determination to improve learning outcomes.
She said the new academic session provides an opportunity to strengthen education and produce responsible, knowledgeable, skilled and patriotic citizens.
Adamu said Gov. Hyacinth Alia’s commitment to human capital development had resulted in several interventions in the education sector.
These, the commissioner said, included recruitment of more than 9,000 teachers, construction and renovation of over 400 public schools and implementation of free, compulsory basic education.
Other interventions included payment of workers’ salaries, the BRACE-UP project to reduce out-of-school children, scholarships for indigent students and distribution of learning materials.
She said the government also supported school sporting activities, digital skills training and other initiatives, while Benue won the 2026 Milo competition in the girls’ category.
The commissioner directed principals, headteachers and teachers to prioritise teaching and learning, ensure punctuality and regular attendance, maintain discipline and monitor learners’ academic performance.
Adamu further directed schools to teach learners to properly recite the Benue State Anthem, alongside the National Anthem, during appropriate assemblies and civic orientation.
She urged parents and guardians to provide approved learning materials, monitor attendance and academic progress, and maintain constructive communication with school authorities.
The commissioner called for cooperation between parents and school administrators, stressing that grievances should be addressed through appropriate channels rather than confrontation.
She also directed all schools to comply strictly with extant policies, including requirements for appropriate insurance cover for learners through NICON Insurance.
On textbooks, the commissioner said only approved main textbooks should be used, while restricted or customised non-transferable books were prohibited.
The commissioner clarified that textbook costs must not be embedded in school fees, adding that parents remained free to purchase approved books from schools or elsewhere.
Adamu also prohibited compulsory extra lessons after regular school hours, noting that any PTA seeking such lessons must obtain ministry approval.
The commissioner said graduations would only be permitted for exit classes, including Upper Basic 9, SS3 and Technical 3, which are certificated.
She also prohibited violent or degrading birthday celebrations in schools, including the manhandling of celebrants by learners.
The commissioner warned parents against assaulting, threatening, intimidating or verbally abusing teachers and other school staff.
She further prohibited unauthorised entry by NGOs, individuals or organisations into schools for programmes, research, advocacy or interventions without ministry approval.
She said learners were prohibited from possessing or using mobile phones during school hours except where specifically authorised for legitimate educational purposes.
The commissioner also directed schools to address lateness, truancy and loitering while maintaining safe and inclusive learning environments free from bullying, harassment, hazing and violence.
She warned that failure to comply with approved policies would attract appropriate sanctions, adding that ignorance of existing directives would not be accepted as an excuse.p
She said the ministry would strengthen monitoring, supervision and quality assurance activities across schools to ensure effective implementation of its policies.
The commissioner described quality education as a collective responsibility requiring sustained commitment from government, teachers, school managers, parents, learners and communities.
She urged stakeholders to make the 2026/2027 academic session a year of accountability, improved learning outcomes, discipline, innovation and greater commitment to the welfare of learners. (NAN)
