Benue State Bans Nursery Graduations and Customised Textbooks in Schools

In a bold move aimed at easing the financial hardship on families, the Benue State Government has announced the immediate abolition of graduation ceremonies for pupils in kindergarten, nursery, and basic schools across the state. The directive, which also bans the use of customised textbooks and restricts compulsory extended lessons, signals a major reform in the state’s education sector.

The new policy was formally communicated through a memo signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, Mrs. Helen Zeramo. In the statement, she explained that the government’s decision was a direct response to the need to “emancipate the Benue masses” by curbing what she described as financially draining and socially unproductive practices by school proprietors.

The most significant change is the outright ban on graduation ceremonies, which the government deems unnecessary and a financial burden on parents who are often compelled to pay exorbitant fees for ceremonial gowns, photographers, and event space. “All compulsory school graduation ceremonies in Benue State are hereby abolished, especially for Kindergarten, Nursery and Basic Schools,” the memo stated.

Additionally, the government has taken a firm stance against the use of customised textbooks and exercise books. The memo directs schools to cease using these materials, which are often branded with the school’s logo and are not transferable to other students. This practice, according to the government, forces parents to buy new books for every child and every academic session. Under the new policy, schools must revert to the traditional practice where books can be reused by younger siblings, a move that is expected to provide significant financial relief to struggling families.

The new directive also addresses the issue of compulsory after-school lessons, stating that they are now prohibited unless parents have given their explicit consent. This measure is intended to ensure that a child’s right to adequate rest and non-academic development is respected.

The policy, which takes effect at the beginning of the 2025/2026 academic year, has been met with widespread applause from parents who have long complained about the exploitative nature of some school proprietors. While some school administrators may find the new rules challenging, the government has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, August 26, 2025, with proprietors and other key stakeholders to ensure a smooth and effective transition to the new system. The move positions Benue State alongside other progressive states in Nigeria that are taking decisive action to make education more accessible and less financially stressful for their citizens.