Benue bans Graduation parties for nursery and primary schools

The Benue State Government has banned graduation parties for kindergarten, nursery, and primary schools in the state

Acting Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Mrs. Helen Nambativ, confirmed the policy to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Makurdi, warning that schools that fail to comply may face sanctions, including temporary closure.

Nambativ, who also serves as the ministry’s permanent secretary, explained that the new policy, effective immediately, aims to reduce unnecessary financial burdens on parents and streamline the education sector at the basic level. She added that all necessary measures are being put in place to enforce the directive, and a task force will be constituted for monitoring and implementation.

The government issued a memo on August 21 outlining the ban, emphasizing that the move will help focus attention on children’s academic development rather than ceremonial activities. The memo also addressed the use of restricted, customized textbooks in schools, stating that these should be abolished and replaced with the traditional system where senior pupils pass down books to lower classes. Additionally, compulsory extended lessons beyond regular school hours are to cease unless parental consent is obtained.

“All compulsory school graduation ceremonies in Benue State are hereby abolished, especially for kindergarten, nursery, and basic schools,” the memo stated.

While the policy has received praise from parents like Mr. James Bemgba, who described it as a relief from excessive school expenses, some school proprietors have raised concerns. A major school owner in Makurdi, speaking anonymously, said the timing of the policy was inappropriate, urging the government to consult stakeholders before implementation. He suggested a one-year grace period for schools that had already purchased the now-banned textbooks.

The state government has, however, assured that the policy is people-oriented and aims to sanitize the education system, making it more efficient and less financially burdensome for families.

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