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In a bold move to alleviate financial burdens on families and streamline the education system, the Benue State Government has announced sweeping reforms targeting customized textbooks, extended lessons, and graduation ceremonies in schools. The new policies, detailed in a circular dated August 15, 2025, and signed by Helen Nambativ Zeramo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, will take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.
Key Reforms Outlined
Ban on Customized Textbooks
The government has prohibited the use of customized textbooks and exercise books, citing their non-transferability as a key issue. These materials, often specific to individual schools, cannot be reused by other students, increasing costs for parents. Instead, schools are directed to reinstate the practice of passing down textbooks from senior students to their juniors, a cost-saving tradition aimed at reducing financial strain on families.
End to Compulsory Extended Lessons
Compulsory after-school lessons, which have become a common practice in many schools, are now banned unless parents provide explicit consent. The government emphasized that extended lessons should not be imposed, giving parents greater control over their children’s schedules and reducing additional costs associated with these programs.
Scrapping of Graduation Ceremonies
Graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, and basic school levels have been abolished. The state government views these events as unnecessary and financially demanding for families. This reform aims to eliminate the pressure on parents to fund elaborate ceremonies, redirecting focus to core educational priorities.
Implementation and Compliance
The Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management has mandated strict compliance from both public and private schools across Benue State. To ensure a smooth rollout of these reforms, a meeting with school proprietors, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), and other education stakeholders is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, 2025. This meeting will address concerns, clarify expectations, and foster collaboration to implement the new policies effectively.
Impact on Benue’s Education Landscape
These reforms signal a significant shift in Benue’s education sector, prioritizing affordability and accessibility for families. By eliminating practices that place undue financial pressure on parents, the government aims to make education more inclusive while maintaining academic standards. The move to pass down textbooks, in particular, revives a sustainable practice that could reduce costs significantly for households.
What’s Next?
As the 2025/2026 academic session approaches, all eyes will be on how schools adapt to these changes. The scheduled meeting with stakeholders will be crucial in addressing potential challenges and ensuring that the reforms are implemented uniformly across the state. Parents and educators alike are encouraged to engage with the process to support a smoother transition.
