MAKURDI — The Benue State Government has banned compulsory after-school lessons in schools for the 2026/2027 academic session. The Commissioner for Education, Mrs Margaret Adamu, said Parents-Teachers Associations must obtain ministry approval for any extra lessons, which cannot be made compulsory. Only approved textbooks may be used, the cost of books may not be added to school fees, and parents are free to buy books anywhere. Graduation ceremonies will no longer be held for early childhood, lower and middle basic classes, and will be limited to exit classes such as Basic 9, SS3 and Technical 3. The ministry also banned rough birthday celebrations, bullying, hazing and harassment in schools, and warned that defaulters will be sanctioned.