Nigeria: Benue Residents Hail Ban On Mobile Phone Usage By Pupils

What the report says

Residents in Benue State have publicly supported the state government’s move to bar pupils from carrying or using mobile phones during school hours and for extra lessons after classes. The reaction, reported by Leadership and distributed by AllAfrica, came as schools resumed in Makurdi, the state capital. Some parents and teachers said the restriction could help students focus better in class, although one educator warned that enforcement may be uneven, especially outside urban areas.

According to the report, the announcement was made by the commissioner for education and knowledge management, Margaret Adamu, who also prohibited extra lessons after regular school hours unless a parent-teacher association gets approval from the ministry. She said such lessons should not be compulsory for learners. The commissioner further called for compliance with education policies and urged stakeholders to support quality teaching and learning.

The policy announcement also covered school discipline and outside access to schools. Adamu warned against bullying, harassment, hazing and violence among students, and cautioned parents not to abuse or threaten school staff. She also said NGOs and other groups must obtain ministry permission before entering schools for programmes, research or advocacy. In addition, graduation ceremonies were limited to exit classes such as Upper Basic 9, SS3 and Technical 3, while younger classes were excluded. The measures reflect a broader effort to tighten school oversight and standardize practices across Benue’s education system.