Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia Enforces Strict School Regulations

Benue, Nigeria – September 9, 2025

The Benue State Government has rolled out stringent new regulations to enhance the quality and accountability of education across the state, as outlined in the Executive Order of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia. Published in the Benue State Gazette No. 46, Vol. 48, the directive establishes the Bureau for Education Quality Assurance (BEQA), tasked with ensuring uncompromising compliance with education standards.

Key Measures and Policies

The BEQA has been granted statutory powers to shut down schools operating below approved standards or violating the National Policy on Education and other regulations. Schools risk license revocation and closure if found non-compliant. The Bureau holds exclusive authority for evaluating schools, producing official school records, and issuing guidelines, with all evaluation notices required to come solely from BEQA, except for FEQAS.

Among the key policies announced are:

1. Textbook Reuse: Schools are discouraged from demanding new textbooks yearly. Only reusable textbooks are recommended, and parents must not be compelled to buy books directly from schools.
2. Graduation Ceremonies: Restricted to Basic 9 (JSS 3) and Senior Secondary (SS 3/SSCE) levels, participation must be voluntary and carry PTA approval.
3. Ban on Compulsory Extra Lessons: Only voluntary remedial classes are allowed, limited to external examination candidates with parental consent.
4. Closure of Substandard Schools: Institutions failing to meet minimum standards or defaulting on taxes will be shut down effective September 22, 2025. Parents are advised to check the BEQA website for the list of affected schools.
5. Ban on “Sign-Out” Activities: Rowdy sign-out practices are prohibited, with schools encouraged to adopt safer alternatives like farewell assemblies or mentorship sessions.
6. Regulation of School Fees: No school is allowed to increase fees or upgrade facilities without written BEQA approval, PTA consensus, and supporting documentation. Unauthorized increases will attract sanctions.

The government has confirmed the deployment of trained evaluators across Benue State to ensure strict compliance. These measures aim to guarantee quality, affordable, and accountable education for all learners. The Bureau emphasizes that all schools must adhere to official guidelines, with evaluation notices solely issued by BEQA.

This crackdown reflects the administration’s commitment to elevating educational standards and ensuring a safe, equitable learning environment. For more details, parents and stakeholders are encouraged to visit the BEQA website.

Stay tuned for updates as the state implements these transformative policies.