The Benue State Government has banned individuals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other external bodies from gaining unauthorised access to public and private schools across the state.
The government also prohibited learners from using mobile phones during school hours and banned extra lessons after regular school hours.
The State Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, announced the directives on Monday during a press conference in Makurdi.
Adamu said the new academic session commenced on Monday, September 7, 2026, urging stakeholders to renew their commitment to quality education and comply strictly with government policies.
She warned that no individual, NGO, organisation or external body would be allowed to conduct programmes, research, advocacy or other activities in schools without approval from the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management.
“Learners are prohibited from possessing or using mobile phones during school hours, except where specifically authorised for legitimate educational purposes under the applicable school guidelines,” she said.
The commissioner also directed learners to resume school on time, attend classes regularly and remain within authorised areas, warning that late coming, truancy and loitering during school hours must be addressed by school authorities.
She further condemned what she described as “barbaric ways of celebrating birthdays”, in which learners reportedly manhandle birthday celebrants in schools, classrooms and hostels.
Adamu also warned against bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and other forms of violence among learners, directing school authorities to maintain safe, respectful and inclusive learning environments.
Parents and guardians were equally cautioned against assaulting, threatening, intimidating or verbally abusing teachers, principals and other school staff.
According to the commissioner, the measures were introduced to protect learners, reduce unnecessary financial pressure on parents, improve discipline, strengthen school management and raise the standard of education across the state.
She warned that failure to comply with approved policies and directives would attract appropriate sanctions under applicable laws, regulations and guidelines.
“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,” she said.
Adamu added that the ministry would strengthen monitoring, supervision and quality assurance activities across schools to ensure that the directives were fully implemented at the school level.
