The Benue State Government has announced an immediate ban on graduation parties for pupils in kindergarten, nursery, and primary schools across the state.
Mrs. Helen Nambativ, Acting Commissioner of the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, disclosed this on Tuesday in Makurdi during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
She warned that schools that disregard the directive risk sanctions, including temporary closure, stressing that the measure forms part of a new policy aimed at restoring discipline and focus within the basic education sector.
According to Nambativ, the decision is intended to ease financial burdens on parents and reorient schools toward academic excellence rather than social events. She further cautioned that institutions that flout the directive in the 2025/2026 academic session could lose their operating licenses. A task force will be set up to monitor compliance.
NAN recalls that a circular issued on August 21 had already communicated the government’s decision to schools. The memo also addressed related reforms, including the abolition of customised school materials that prevent reuse, the restoration of the traditional practice of passing books down to lower classes, and the restriction of compulsory after-school lessons unless requested by parents.
The circular stated: “All compulsory school graduation ceremonies in Benue State are hereby abolished, especially for kindergarten, nursery, and basic schools.”
Reactions to the policy have been divided. A school proprietor in Makurdi, who requested anonymity, faulted the timing, arguing that schools should have been given at least a year to adjust, especially with already purchased books.
However, some parents have welcomed the move. Mr. James Bemgba praised the government’s decision, describing it as a relief to families. “Most schools force parents to pay for the graduation of kids who are less than three years old and also buy books unnecessarily,” he said.
