Benue Govt Bans Graduation Parties in Basic Schools, Abolishes Compulsory Books and Extra Lessons

The Benue State Government has announced a ban on graduation parties for kindergarten, nursery, and primary schools across the state.

Acting Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Mrs. Helen Nambativ, disclosed this on Tuesday in Makurdi, warning that schools found violating the directive risk sanctions, including temporary closure.

According to Nambativ, the new policy—effective immediately—aims to ease the financial pressure on parents while sanitising the education sector at the basic level. She added that a task force would be set up to enforce compliance, and defaulting schools could be barred from operating in the 2025/2026 academic session.

A government memo issued on August 21 outlined the policy, stressing that compulsory graduation ceremonies for basic schools are now abolished. It also scrapped the use of customised textbooks and exercise books, directing schools to return to the practice of passing books down to younger pupils. Furthermore, compulsory after-school lessons are prohibited unless parents specifically approve them.

While some school proprietors in Makurdi faulted the timing of the policy, arguing that many schools had already purchased customised books, parents like Mr. James Bemgba praised the move, describing it as a relief from unnecessary financial burdens.