The Benue State Government has announced a new education policy abolishing graduation ceremonies in Kindergarten, Nursery and Basic schools across the state.

The directive, issued on August 15, 2025, by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, Mrs. Helen Zeramo, also bans the use of customized textbooks and compulsory after-school lessons without parental consent.

Key Highlights of the Policy

• No more graduation parties: All forms of graduation ceremonies in nursery, kindergarten, and basic schools are now prohibited.
• Ban on customized books: Schools must discontinue the use of restricted and non-transferable textbooks or exercise books, encouraging the traditional system where senior pupils pass books down to junior classes.
• Compulsory classes restricted: Extra lessons or extended classes outside school hours are only allowed with the express approval of parents.

According to the statement titled “New Education Policy in Benue Public and Private Schools”, the policy aligns with Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia’s education reform agenda, which aims to ease financial burdens on parents and promote inclusivity in the state’s education sector.

The new directive will take effect from the 2025/2026 academic year.

To ensure a smooth implementation, the ministry has scheduled a meeting with school proprietors, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), and other education stakeholders for August 26, 2025.