Benue Bans Graduation Parties, Non-Transferable Textbooks in Basic Schools

The Benue State Government has announced a sweeping education reform, banning graduation parties for kindergarten, nursery, and basic school pupils, as well as the use of non-transferable textbooks in all schools across the state.

The new policy, which takes effect from the first term of the 2025/26 academic session, was announced in Makurdi on Thursday through an official memo by Mrs. Helen Nambativ, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management.

According to Nambativ, the move is aimed at easing the financial burden on parents and refocusing attention on children’s academic development.

“The unpopular use of restricted customised education materials such as text/exercise books in Benue schools, making them non-transferable to subsequent learners, is hereby abolished,” the memo stated.

Schools have been directed to revert to the traditional practice of allowing senior students to pass textbooks and exercise books down to lower classes.

The policy also affects after-school activities. Nambativ noted that:

“Compulsory and extended lessons after regular school hours cease, except where parental rights are sought and granted.”

To ensure effective implementation and address concerns, a stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled for August 26, involving school proprietors, PTA leaders, and other education stakeholders.

The reform marks a significant shift in Benue’s education policy, focusing on affordability, equity, and academic priorities over ceremony and commercial practices.