Benue Cracks Down on School Misconduct, Bans Phones and Compulsory Extra Lessons

The Benue State Government has issued a broad warning to schools against allowing unauthorised activities on their premises and has ordered stronger measures against student violence and misconduct.

The directives were announced by the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Ijaguwa Adamu, as schools began the 2026/2027 academic session.

Under the new rules, outside organisations and individuals cannot enter schools to conduct programmes, research, advocacy or interventions without approval from the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management.

The government said the requirement would strengthen oversight of activities involving learners.

School safety is also a major focus of the new policy.

Bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and violence among pupils have been prohibited.

School authorities are expected to maintain safe and respectful environments in which learners can attend classes without fear of abuse.

The government also warned against violent birthday celebrations, particularly practices involving physical manhandling of pupils.

The restrictions extend to mobile phones.

Learners are not permitted to possess or use mobile phones during school hours unless their use has been authorised for legitimate educational purposes.

Another important part of the policy is the ban on compulsory extra lessons after regular school hours.

The government said the measure would help reduce unnecessary financial pressure on parents and keep schools within approved operating arrangements.

Parents have also been told to respect school personnel.

The state warned parents and guardians against assaulting, threatening, intimidating or verbally abusing teachers, principals and other school staff.

Complaints are expected to be addressed through appropriate channels.

The government said school proprietors and heads must familiarise themselves with the directives and implement them.

Failure to comply could result in sanctions under existing laws, regulations and guidelines.

The education ministry is expected to strengthen monitoring, supervision and quality assurance across the state.

School leaders have also been instructed to focus on teaching and learning, maintain discipline and ensure punctuality and regular attendance.

They are expected to protect school facilities and monitor pupils’ academic performance.

The government has urged parents to provide required learning materials and take an active interest in their children’s academic development and conduct.

The new measures come at a time when schools are beginning a fresh academic year and authorities are seeking to improve educational outcomes.

The government’s approach combines restrictions on student behaviour with tighter supervision of school activities.

It also places responsibilities on parents, teachers and school administrators.

For external organisations, the new approval requirement means that programmes aimed at pupils must now be coordinated through the education ministry.

Officials said stronger supervision would be used to ensure compliance.