Benue Bans Mobile Phones, Extra Lessons in Schools
The Benue State Government has banned individuals, non-governmental organisations and other external bodies from accessing public and private schools without official authorisation.
The government also prohibited learners from using mobile phones during school hours and banned extra lessons after regular school hours.
The State Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Mrs Margaret Adamu, announced the directives at a press conference in Makurdi on Monday.
Adamu said the new academic session would begin on Monday, September 7, 2026, urging school authorities, parents and learners to comply strictly with government policies.
She also condemned what she described as “barbaric ways of celebrating birthdays”, in which learners manhandle celebrants in schools, classrooms and hostels.
The commissioner further warned parents and guardians against assaulting, threatening, intimidating or verbally abusing teachers, principals and other school staff.
She said no NGO, individual, organisation or external body would be allowed to conduct programmes, research, advocacy or interventions in any school without approval from the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management.
“Learners are prohibited from possessing or using mobile phones during school hours, except where specifically authorised for legitimate educational purposes under applicable school guidelines,” she said.
Adamu directed learners to resume school on time, attend classes regularly and remain within authorised school areas. She added that late coming, truancy and loitering during school hours must be addressed firmly by school authorities.
She also reiterated the ban on bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and all forms of violence among learners.
“School authorities must establish and maintain safe, respectful and inclusive learning environments,” she said.
According to the commissioner, the policies were introduced to protect learners, reduce unnecessary financial pressure on parents, improve discipline, strengthen school management and raise the standard of education across the state.
She warned that violations of the directives would attract sanctions in line with existing laws, regulations and guidelines.
“School proprietors, principals and heads of schools are expected to familiarise themselves with all relevant ministry directives and ensure full implementation. Ignorance of an existing policy will not be accepted as an excuse for non-compliance,” Adamu said.
She added that the ministry would intensify monitoring, supervision and quality assurance activities to ensure that the policies were implemented effectively in schools across the state.