ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Benue State Government has introduced a fresh set of measures aimed at tightening discipline and improving the learning environment in public and private schools across the state.
Under the new directives, learners are prohibited from possessing or using mobile phones during school hours, while extra lessons after regular school hours have also been banned.
The government equally barred individuals, non-governmental organisations, organisations and other external bodies from accessing schools to conduct programmes, research, advocacy or interventions without prior approval from the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management.
READ ALSO ASUU Strike: Benue University Orders Immediate Reopening Of School
The Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, announced the measures on Monday at a press conference in Makurdi, as schools commenced the 2026/2027 academic session.
Adamu said the new policies were part of efforts to strengthen school management, promote discipline, protect learners and reduce unnecessary financial pressure on parents.
She said, “No NGO, individual, organisation or external body shall enter a school to conduct programmes, activities, research, advocacy or interventions without the appropriate authorisation 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 the applicable school guidelines.”
The commissioner also directed schools to enforce punctuality and regular attendance, warning against late coming, truancy and loitering during school hours.
READ ALSO Schools Remain Safe, Benue Police Assures Public
Beyond phone use, the government declared bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and other forms of violence among learners unacceptable.
According to Adamu, school authorities are expected to ensure that their institutions provide safe, respectful and inclusive environments for learners.
The government also frowned on what the commissioner described as “barbaric ways of celebrating birthdays”, particularly incidents in which students manhandle or assault celebrants in classrooms, schools and hostels.
Parents and guardians were similarly warned against assaulting, threatening, intimidating or verbally abusing teachers, principals and other members of school staff.
On compliance, Adamu said school proprietors, principals and heads of institutions would be held responsible for implementing the directives.
READ ALSO Gunmen Abduct Four Female University Students In Benue
“I therefore warn that non-compliance with approved policies and directives will attract appropriate sanctions in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and guidelines,” she said.
According TO Punch, the commissioner added that ignorance of existing ministry policies would not be accepted as an excuse for violating them.
“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 further disclosed that the ministry would intensify monitoring, supervision and quality assurance across schools to ensure compliance with the new measures.
The commissioner called on stakeholders in the education sector to renew their commitment to improving the quality of education in Benue and ensuring that schools remain conducive environments for learning.