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The Benue government has banned graduation parties for kindergarten, nursery, and primary schools in the state.
The ministry of education and knowledge management, Helen Nambativ, announced this on Tuesday September 2, stating that schools failing to comply with a new policy prohibiting certain parties would face sanctions.
Nambativ, who also holds the position of permanent secretary for the ministry, indicated that non compliant schools could be temporarily closed.
She stated that the government is implementing the necessary measures to enforce the new policy, which is effective immediately and aims to improve the quality of basic education.
She further warned that schools that do not enforce the policy during the 2025/2026 academic year might not be permitted to operate, and she disclosed that a task force would be established to ensure compliance.
In a memo dated August 21, the government announced a ban on graduation parties for students in kindergarten, nursery, and basic schools.
The purpose of this decision is to lessen the financial burden on parents and shift the focus toward the academic development of their children.
It stated, “The unpopular use of restricted, customised education materials, such as text/exercise books in Benue State schools, making them non-transferrable to subsequent learners, is hereby abolished.
“All schools are by this notice directed to revert automatically to the traditional practice of senior students/pupils using and passing books down to pupils and students in lower classes.
“Compulsory and extended lessons after regular school hours cease, except where parental rights are sought and granted.
“All compulsory school graduation ceremonies in Benue State are hereby abolished, especially for kindergarten, nursery, and basic schools.”
A prominent school proprietor in Makurdi, who chose to remain anonymous, criticized the timing of the new policy, stating that the government should have consulted with stakeholders in the education sector before making the announcement.
He argued that since many schools had already purchased the now-banned books, they should be given a one-year grace period to implement the policy.
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