Ministry of Education Announces 2025/2026 Policy Direction, Mandates Full Compliance

The Benue State Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management has unveiled its Policy Direction for both public and private schools ahead of the September 2025/2026 Academic Session, stressing the need for total compliance. The Honourable Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu, made this known during a press briefing held on Tuesday at the Ministry’s Conference Hall.

Dr. Adamu explained that the policy is in line with the vision of Governor Hyacinth Alia to strengthen and advance education across the state. She emphasized that all schools, public and private, must adhere strictly to the directives. Key areas covered include: full implementation of the 9-3-4 system of education; compulsory teaching of Information Communication Technology (ICT), handiwork, and three trade subjects; prohibition of unauthorized customised textbooks and exercise books; mandatory extended lessons after school hours; and compulsory graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, lower, and middle basic classes.

She further noted that the restriction on customised learning materials follows persistent parental concerns about rising school fees, thereby giving parents the freedom to purchase books from any source. Additional directives also address unauthorised access to schools, compliance with ministry guidelines, compulsory planting of palm trees within schools, provision of insurance cover for learners, and proper monitoring of statutory revenues.

On the issue of school fees, Dr. Adamu stated: “The policy clearly stipulates that no school is permitted to collect fees for three terms at once, including from graduating students. Henceforth, school fees must be paid on a termly basis.” She reiterated that the aim is to safeguard the interests of learners, parents, and teachers, while making quality education affordable and accessible.

The Commissioner applauded Governor Alia for his remarkable strides in the education sector within the past two years. These achievements include the prompt payment of teachers’ salaries, regular promotions, training and retraining of teachers, as well as ongoing construction and renovation of schools with modern facilities. She also highlighted the governor’s approval for the renovation of 16 government secondary schools, recruitment of over 9,000 teachers, expansion of admission capacity at Benue State University, and establishment of new faculties—such as the Faculty of Engineering in Adikpo and the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Ihugh.