The Benue State Government has instituted an immediate ban on graduation parties for kindergarten, nursery, and primary school pupils. The decision was announced in Makurdi by Mrs. Helen Nambativ, the Acting Commissioner of the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management. She warned that schools which fail to comply with the directive could face sanctions, including temporary closure.
The new education policy aims to promote discipline and sanity in the basic education sector by reducing unnecessary expenses for parents and refocusing schools on academic excellence. By eliminating graduation parties, the government seeks to prioritize meaningful learning outcomes over social events. A memo issued by the ministry on August 21 had already informed schools of this decision.
The policy also abolishes the use of restricted, customized education materials—such as non‑transferable text and exercise books—and directs schools to revert to the traditional practice of senior students passing down books to younger pupils. Additionally, compulsory and extended lessons after regular school hours are prohibited unless parental consent is obtained. The abolition of compulsory school graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, and basic schools is another key component of the policy.
Reactions have been mixed. Some stakeholders argue that the timing is abrupt and that schools should have been given more time to adjust; a school proprietor in Makurdi, who wished to remain anonymous, suggested a phase‑out period of at least a year would have been more practical. Conversely, parents such as Mr. James Bemgba have welcomed the move, noting the relief it brings from previously burdensome expenses.
To ensure compliance, a task force will be established, and schools that flout the policy risk losing their operating license. As the 2025/2026 academic session approaches, the Benue State Government’s reforms are set to have a significant impact on the basic education sector, reinforcing the emphasis on academic excellence.
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