The Benue State Government has introduced stricter measures for schools across the state, including a ban on mobile phone use during school hours and extra lessons outside the approved timetable.
The government also barred individuals, non-governmental organisations and other external groups from accessing public and private schools without prior approval from the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management.
The new directives were announced on Monday by the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, during a press briefing in Makurdi as schools commenced the new academic session.
Adamu said the measures were intended to strengthen discipline, protect learners and improve the overall quality of education in the state.
Under the new rules, learners are not permitted to bring or use mobile phones during school hours unless their use has been specifically authorised for legitimate educational purposes.
The government also prohibited extra lessons after normal school hours, while directing schools to ensure that learners arrive on time, attend classes regularly and remain within approved school premises during school hours.
The commissioner further warned schools against bullying, harassment, intimidation, hazing and other forms of violence among learners.
She described as “barbaric” the practice of celebrating birthdays by physically manhandling students, warning that such acts would not be tolerated in schools, classrooms or hostels.
The government also cautioned parents and guardians against assaulting, threatening, intimidating or verbally abusing teachers, principals and other school personnel.
On access to schools by external bodies, Adamu said, “No NGO, individual, organisation or external body shall enter a school to conduct programmes, activities, research, advocacy or interventions without the appropriate authorisation from the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management.”
She added that learners were expected to comply with school attendance and discipline requirements.
“Bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and all forms of violence among learners are strictly prohibited. School authorities must establish and maintain safe, respectful and inclusive learning environments,” she said.
According to the commissioner, the policies would help protect learners, ease unnecessary financial pressure on parents, improve discipline and strengthen the management of schools across Benue.
Adamu warned that schools and individuals who violate the directives would face sanctions under applicable laws and regulations.
“I therefore warn that non-compliance with approved policies and directives will attract appropriate sanctions in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and guidelines,” she said.
She urged proprietors, principals and heads of schools to familiarise themselves with the ministry’s directives and ensure they are implemented, stressing that ignorance would not be accepted as a justification for non-compliance.
The commissioner also disclosed that the ministry would intensify monitoring, supervision and quality assurance exercises to ensure that the new policies were effectively enforced at the school level.
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