Government bans nursery graduations, customised textbooks in schools Ur
The Benue State Government has announced the abolition of graduation ceremonies in nursery and basic schools, particularly at the kindergarten level, across the state.
The directive, which applies to both public and private schools, also bans the use of customised textbooks and exercise books.
This was contained in a circular dated August 15, 2025, and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, Helen Zeramo.
The circular stated in part, “The unpopular use of restricted customised educational materials such as text and exercise books in Benue State schools, which makes them non-transferable to subsequent learners, is hereby abolished.
“All schools are hereby directed to revert to the traditional practice where senior students and pupils pass down books to their juniors.”
The new directive further abolished compulsory extended lessons after regular school hours, except where parents provide explicit consent.
According to the circular, the policy will take effect from the commencement of the 2025/2026 academic session and must be strictly adhered to by all schools.
The Ministry also scheduled a meeting with school proprietors, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA), and other education stakeholders for Tuesday, August 26, 2025, to ensure smooth implementation of the policies.
