The Benue State Government has officially banned graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, and primary school pupils across the state, citing financial pressure on parents and the need to realign focus toward academics.
Mrs. Helen Nambativ, the acting Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, announced the development on Tuesday in Makurdi.
She warned that schools that defy the directive risk sanctions, including temporary closure.
“This new education policy takes effect immediately and is aimed at cleaning up practices at the foundational levels of learning,” Nambativ said, adding that a task force will soon be set up to monitor and enforce compliance.
A government memo dated August 21 had earlier communicated the ban.
The directive is part of a broader push to reform the basic education sector by removing unnecessary financial demands on parents.
Key directives;
Graduation parties for pre-primary and primary levels are abolished.
Use of customised textbooks and exercise books, which prevent reuse by younger students, is banned.
Extended lessons after school hours are now optional and subject to parental consent.
Schools must return to the traditional system of book reuse, allowing students to pass books to their juniors.
The government emphasized that these changes were not only cost-saving but would also enhance academic discipline in early education.
While some school owners expressed concern over the abrupt rollout of the policy, others welcomed the move.
A proprietor in Makurdi, speaking anonymously, said the government should have consulted with education stakeholders before implementing such sweeping reforms.
“Many schools have already purchased the materials now banned. A one-year transition period would have been more practical,” the school head noted.
On the other hand, James Bemgba, a parent, applauded the policy, saying it would reduce unnecessary costs.
“It’s unreasonable to host elaborate parties and force parents to buy expensive materials for children barely three years old. This policy is a welcome relief,” Bemgba said.
The Benue government reiterated its intention to strictly enforce the directive starting from the 2025/2026 academic session, and warned that schools failing to comply may lose operating licenses.
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