By: Terdue Atondu, Makurdi.
As Schools resume on 7th September, 2026 across the 23 local government areas of Benue State, Hon. Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. (Mrs. ) Margaret Ijaguwa Adamu, has called for renewed Commitment to Quality Education and strict compliance with Government Policies.
Dr. ( Mrs.) Ijaguwa Adamu made the call on Monday while briefing Newsmen in her office at the State Secretariat, Makurdi. welcomed learners across Benue State back to school as schools resume for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The Commissioner congratulated the learners, parents, teachers, school proprietors and education managers for successfully concluding the long vacation and urged all stakeholders to approach the new academic session with renewed commitment, discipline and a determination to achieve improved learning outcomes.
“The resumption of schools marks another opportunity for us to strengthen the quality of education in Benue State and build a generation of responsible,
“knowledgeable, skilled and patriotic citizens. This is in tandem with the vision of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth”. She stressed
According to her, Governor Alia’s commitment to human capital development is evident in the several interventions in the educational sector including but not limited to:
– recruitment of over 9,000 teachers
-construction/renovation of over 400 public schools
– the implementation of free and compulsory education for basic public schools
– the consistent payment of workers’ salaries
– the novel strategy to drastically reduce the population of out of school children through the project ‘BRACE-UP’
– scholarship award to indigent students
– the distribution of teaching/learning materials to schools including IDP camps
-support for school sporting activities (Benue state won the 2026 Milo competition for the girls’ category)
– digital skills training initiative for students.
CALL TO SCHOOL MANAGEMENT AND TEACHERS
The Commissioner charged principals, head teachers, teachers and school management teams to make teaching and learning their highest priority. This session must be different, as the ministry expects measurable improvement in all deliverables. Consequently, School heads must provide effective leadership, ensure regular attendance of teachers and learners, maintain discipline, protect school facilities, keep proper administrative and financial records, and monitor academic performance throughout the session. Teachers are expected to be punctual, committed and innovative in the discharge of their responsibilities. Every learner must receive the attention and support necessary to succeed. I particularly direct all schools to teach and ensure that learners are able to properly recite the Benue State Anthem. The School Anthem and the National Anthem should form part of appropriate school assemblies and civic orientation as a means of promoting patriotism, unity, identity and commitment to the development of Benue State.
A CALL TO PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
She appealed to parents and guardians to support their children’s education by providing the necessary learning tools and materials, including appropriate textbooks, exercise books, writing materials and other approved educational requirements. Parents should also monitor their children’s attendance, conduct and academic progress and maintain effective and constructive communication with school authorities. The Ministry recognizes parents as important partners in education. | therefore call for cooperation rather than confrontation between parents and school administrators.
STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH EDUCATION POLICIES
Education Commissioner has also directed all proprietors, principals and heads of schools to ensure strict compliance with all extant policies, guidelines and directives of the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management.
Schools are particularly reminded of the following: Insurance Cover for Learners: All schools are encouraged to subscribe to the Ministry’s requirements regarding appropriate insurance cover for learners as provided by NICON Insurance.
POLICY ON TEXTBOOKS, LESSONS AND GRADUATION
Textbooks: She warned that only approved Main Textbooks shall be used for teaching while Restricted/Customized non-transferable books are prohibited. However, inherited Text Books by learners must be in good conditions. ~ ECCDE Books are not transferable and insisted that cost of books must not be embedded in school fees and Parents are free to buy books from school or elsewhere.
On the issue of Extra Lessons, the Commissioner warned that there shall be NO lessons after regular school hours and Any PTA of a school requesting for extra lessons must seek approval from the Ministry and must not make it compulsory.
On Graduation Ceremonies’ the Commissioner said there shall be no graduation ceremonies for Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCDE), Lower and Middle Basic classes learners while Graduation is permitted for only exit classes learners that will be certificated (Upper Basic 9, SS3 and Technical 3).
On the issue of Birthday Celebrations of in School, stated that the barbaric ways of celebrating birthdays where by learners manhandle the celebrants in schools/classrooms/hostels is prohibited and that School management should take note.
Respect for School Staff, the Commissioner said parents and guardians must not assault, threaten, intimidate or verbally abuse teachers, principals or other school staff. Genuine grievances should be addressed through the appropriate channels.
Unauthorized Access to Schools: She warned that No NGO, individual, organisation or external body shall enter a school to conduct programmes, activities, research, advocacy or interventions without the appropriate authorization from the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management.
Mobile Phones: Dr. (Mrs) Adamu said Learners are prohibited from possessing or using mobile phones during school hours, except where specifically authorized for legitimate educational purposes under the applicable school guidelines.
Punctuality and Loitering, She stated that Learners are expected to resume school on time, attend classes regularly and remain within authorized school areas. Late coming, truancy and loitering during school hours must be firmly addressed by school authority.Adding that Bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and ali forms of violence among learners are strictly prohibited. School authorities must establish and maintain safe, respectful and inclusive learning environments.
DISCIPLINE AND ENFORCEMENT
The Commissioner disclosed that the policies of the Ministry are designed to protect learners, reduce unnecessary financial burdens on parents, improve discipline, strengthen school management and raise the standard of education in the state and warned that non-compliance with approved policies and directives will attract appropriate sanctions in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and guidelines.
She disclosed that School proprietors, principals and heads of schools are expected to familiarize themselves with all relevant Ministry directives and ensure full implementation. Ignorance of an existing policy will not be accepted as an excuse for noncompliance.while the Ministry will strengthen monitoring, supervision and quality assurance activities across schools in the state to ensure that policies are implemented at the school level.
A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
The Education Commissioner maintained that Quality education is a shared responsibility, Government will continue to provide policy direction, support and supervision, but the success of the education system depends substantially on the commitment of teachers, school managers, parents, learners and the wider community.
She enjoined teachers and school administrators to make the 2026/2027 academic session a year of greater accountability, improved learning outcomes, discipline, innovation and service to the child and equally urge
learners to return to school with enthusiasm, respect for authority, commitment to their studies and determination to make the most of the opportunities provided by government.
