Benue State Government has warned parents and guardians against assaulting, threatening, intimidating or verbally abusing teachers, principals and any other school staff across the state.
The State Commissioner of Education and Knowledge Management, Mrs Margaret Adamu, announced this at a press conference held in Makurdi on Monday.
The commissioner, who rolled out the policies of the ministry, called for renewed commitment to quality education and strict compliance with all the policies.
The state government also warned against any individuals, non-governmental organisations or any other external body having unauthorised access to both private and public schools across the state.
Also, the state government has prohibited the use of mobile phones during school hours as well as extra lessons after regular school hours.
Other policies included ‘barbaric ways of celebrating birthdays’, whereby learners manhandle the celebrants in schools, classrooms and hostels.
The state government also warned against parents and guardians assaulting, threatening, intimidating or verbally abusing teachers, principals or other school staff.
She stated that genuine grievances should be addressed through the appropriate channels.
She said, ‘No NGO, individual, organisation or external body shall enter a school to conduct programmes, activities, research, advocacy or interventions without the appropriate authorization from the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management.
‘Learners are prohibited from possessing or using mobile phones during school hours, except where specifically authorized for legitimate educational purposes under the applicable school guidelines.
‘Learners are expected to resume school on time, attend classes regularly and remain within authorized school areas. Late coming, truancy and loitering during school hours must be firmly addressed by school authority.
‘Bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and ali forms of violence among learners are strictly prohibited. School authorities must establish and maintain safe, respectful and inclusive learning environments.’
The commissioner explained that the policies were designed to protect learners, reduce unnecessary financial burdens on parents, improve discipline, strengthen school management and raise the standard of education in the state.
‘I therefore warn that non-compliance with approved policies and directives will attract appropriate sanctions in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and guidelines.
‘School proprietors, principals and heads of schools are expected to familiarize themselves with all relevant Ministry directives and ensure full implementation. Ignorance of an existing policy will not be accepted as an excuse for noncompliance,’ the commissioner said.
Adamu promised that the ministry would strengthen monitoring, supervision and quality assurance activities across schools in the state to ensure that the policies are implemented at the school level.