News

Edo Issues New Guideline On Education, Says Siblings’ Textbooks Transferable, Bans Graduation For KGs, Others, [A MUST READ]

Published

9 months ago

August 19, 2025

Edo State Government has issued new guidelines on education for both basic and secondary schools in the state.

The educational guidelines were contained in a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Education, Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu.

Below is the full statement:

POLICY ON EDUCATION FOR BASIC AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN EDO STATE

The Edo State Ministry of Education is committed to providing clear policy direction on all educational matters while ensuring quality, standards, and inclusiveness across the State’s education system.

2. In line with the National and State Policies on Education, the Edo State Education Law and other relevant statutory frameworks, the Ministry hereby issues the following policy guidelines, which all schools (public, private, and faith-based) in Edo State are required to strictly comply with:

(1) APPROVED TEXTBOOKS: Only textbooks recommended and approved by the Ministry are permitted in all schools across the State.

2) USAGE OF APPROVED TEXTBOOKS: To promote stability and consistency in learning, schools must henceforth allow younger siblings to use
Page 1 of 6
approved textbooks previously purchased by their older siblings. Approved textbooks are designed to remain in use for a minimum of four (4) years before any review by the Ministry.

3) TEXTBOOKS AND WORKBOOKS DESIGN:
a) Authors and publishers are hereby reminded that no textbook should contain workspaces within its content.
b) Henceforth, any textbook that includes workspaces will be derecognized by the Ministry.
c) Workbooks shall henceforth be produced and used separately from textbooks.

4) GRADUATION CEREMONIES IN SCHOOLS: In line with the provisions of the National and Edo State Policies on Education, henceforth, only students who have completed the Basic 1-9 and Senior Secondary 3 are permitted to hold modest graduation celebrations. However, promenade (prom) ceremonies are highly discouraged as it encourages indecency amongst the students. For the avoidance of doubt, all Pre-Basic pupils are not allowed to embark on graduation ceremonies and parties across the State. This policy is aimed at ensuring that pupils, students, parents, guardians, stakeholders, and school managers remain focused on achieving quality learning outcomes at the conclusion of each educational level.

5) BINDING
EDUCATIONAL STATUTORY DOCUMENTS: School administrators are once again advised to acquaint themselves with the statutory documents that govern and regulate the standard operations of schools in the State. These include the Education Law, the National and Edo State Policies on Education, Ministry of Education circulars, and other regulatory instruments. Compliance with these documents is mandatory. In particular, the National and Edo State Policies on Education, which equally uphold the following principles:
a) All basic classes are compulsory, including Basic 6 (Primary 6).
b) Skipping of classes is strictly prohibited at all levels of education.
c) Moving pupils / students from lower class to certificate class unduly simply to write Middle Basic Assessment (MBA) or Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) is highly prohibited;
d) Use of the National Curriculum is compulsory; additional curricula are optional and cannot replace the national standard.
e) Only qualified teachers are to be engaged for classroom instruction and academic activities in all schools.
Page 2 of 6
f) Teachers and school leaders in all schools are expected to model discipline, professionalism, and commitment to duty at all times.
g) The Middle Basic Assessment (MBA) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) are mandatory for all basic schools in the State.
h) The minimum age of a pupil to write MBA (primary 6) remains 10 yrs.
i) On social safeguards in all Schools, no food is allowed as gift to learners without the approval of parents.
J) Attending seminars during school hours in public schools without Ministry’s approval is prohibited.
k) Students on field trips are to be lodged with their chaperones on same-gender basis only.

(6) HARMONISED SCHOOL CALENDAR: All schools in the State are to strictly adhere to the harmonised school calendar issued by the Ministry for the 2025/2026 academic session. Any parallel calendar is prohibited. Violations will attract appropriate sanctions.

7) SALE OF BOOKS: All public school heads must provide the approved list of books and learning materials for students. The sale of books by school staff is strictly prohibited. No parent shall be coerced to purchase books from a specific vendor.

8) ADMISSION INTO JSS1 CLASS: Admission into JSS1 shall be strictly based on successful completion of primary education and evidence to have completed Primary Six and written the Middle Basic Assessment (MBA). Admission is FREE in all public schools and must be properly documented.

(9) ADMISSION INTO SS1 AND TECH 1 CLASSES: Admission into SS1 and Tech 1 classes shall be strictly based on successful completion of basic education, that is, with evidence to have completed and written Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Admission is FREE in all public schools. Upon releases of BECE results by the Ministry, all Executive Principals / school heads should request their students who failed the core subjects to retake them. Transfer cases from other schools must be properly verified and documented by the receiving school.

10)ADMISSION INTO CERTIFICATE CLASSES (PRIMARY 6, JSS 3, SS 3, TECH 3): All schools (public and private) are hereby reminded that the Ministry’s policy prohibiting admission into certificate classes (Primary 6, JSS 3, SS 3 and Tech 3) without the written approval of the Honourable Commissioner for Education remains strictly in force. Schools are not permitted to admit new students into these classes without official clearance and approval by the Honourable Commissioner for Education.

Non-compliance will attract severe sanctions, including the immediate closure of the school without prior notice, and the School Head/Owner shall be prosecuted in accordance with the Education Law and other statutory frameworks of the Ministry.

11)EXAMINATION CONDUCT: All forms of examination malpractice and irregularities must be eradicated. School administrators, teachers, and learners must uphold honesty and credibility during all internal and external examinations. Any breach will attract strict sanctions.

12)CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: All schools must implement co-curricular
programmes including sports, which are mandatory in Edo State schools.

13)SCHOOL SANITATION: All schools must maintain a clean and hygienic environment at all times Learning environments in all schools must be safe, child-friendly, and value-oriented. Weekly sanitation exercises must be observed, and students should be involved in keeping their classrooms clean. Heads of schools will be held accountable for poor sanitary conditions. However, keeping the school tidy should not in any way hinder effective teaching and learning which should commence from the first day of resumption.

(14)ATTENDANCE AND LOITERING: Executive Principals should ensure that both staff and students are regular and punctual at school. Daily attendance must be taken for all students. Loitering during school hours is strictly prohibited. Students found outside their classrooms without valid reasons shall face disciplinary measures while their principals sanctioned as appropriate. All School heads are expected to enforce full compliance with attendance policies.

15) MANDATORY ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS TRAINING FOR JSS 3 STUDENTS – NEW TRADE SUBJECTS: All Executive Principals and school
Heads of Junior Secondary Schools in the State are hereby informed that, as part of the Ministry’s ongoing reforms to bolster entrepreneurship skills among basic education students before graduation, a mandatory four-week intensive entrepreneurship skills training program has been introduced for all JSS 3 students. This is in line with the transformation drive of our education-loving Governor, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, in ensuring that every Edo child graduates with not just an academic certificate but also a hands-on skill. A certificate of training will be issued along with the BECE certificate.
Recall also that, effective from January 2025, the Basic Education Curriculum was expanded to include fifteen (15) new trade subjects,

12)CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: All schools must implement co-curricular
programmes including sports, which are mandatory in Edo State schools.

14)ATTENDANCE AND LOITERING: Executive Principals should ensure that
both staff and students are regular and punctual at school. Daily attendance must be taken for all students. Loitering during school hours is strictly prohibited. Students found outside their classrooms without valid reasons shall face disciplinary measures while their principals sanctioned as appropriate. All School heads are expected to enforce full compliance with attendance policies.

15) MANDATORY ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS TRAINING FOR JSS 3 STUDENTS – NEW TRADE SUBJECTS:

All Executive Principals and school
Heads of Junior Secondary Schools in the State are hereby informed that, as part of the Ministry’s ongoing reforms to bolster entrepreneurship skills among basic education students before graduation, a mandatory four-week intensive entrepreneurship skills training program has been introduced for all JSS 3 students. This is in line with the transformation drive of our education-loving Governor, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, in ensuring that every Edo child graduates with not just an academic certificate but also a hands-on skill. A certificate of training will be issued along with the BECE certificate.
Recall also that, effective from January 2025, the Basic Education Curriculum was expanded to include fifteen (15) new trade subjects,

designed to enhance employability through practical, hands-on learning.

Therefore, training and assessment directives are as follows:

Every JSS 3 student must select at least one trade subject from the newly introduced list below.

Students are required to sit for the trade subject assessment immediately following the BECE practical.

Failure to take the entrepreneurship skills subject will result in disqualification from accessing the BECE certificate.

All JSS 3 students must remain in school for the entrepreneurship intensive training after the BECE.

The 15 Newly Approved Trade Subjects Are:
1. Plumbing
2. Tiling and Floor Works
3. POP (Plaster of Paris) Installation
4. Event Decoration and Management
5. Bakery and Confectioneries
6. Hairstyling
7. Makeup
8. Interior Design
9. GSM Repairs
10. Satellite/TV Antenna Installation
11. CCTV, Intercom Installation, and Maintenance
12. Solar Installation and Maintenance
13. Garment Making
14.Agriculture and Processing (including crop production, beekeeping, horticulture, and livestock farming)
15. Basic Digital Literacy (IT and Robotics)
Action required by all school Heads:
Executive Principals and school Heads are to communicate the requirements of this memo to all JSS 3 students, parents, and staff.
Update school timetables to accommodate the entrepreneurship training period.
Ensure students understand that completion of the trade subject is critical for eligibility to receive their BECE certificate. For any further clarifications or guidance, contact the Department of Education Resource Centre of the Ministry.

6) UNDERTAKING BY NEW INTAKES: All newly admitted students must sign an Undertaking of Good Behaviour along with their parents/guardians (template attached). Signed copies are to be submitted to the Chief Inspector of Education in the relevant LGA, and a copy retained by the school head. Deadline: Two weeks from the date of resumption.
3. All School Heads, Executive Principals are directed to fully comply with the content of this memo. Any act of non-compliance will attract serious sanctions as determined by the Ministry.

Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu, Honourable Commissioner for Education,
Edo State.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Tells FG To Retaliate Against South African Companies In Nigeria

Published

1 hour ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on the Federal Government to retaliate against South African businesses operating in Nigeria following the recent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, Oshiomhole said the Federal Government should consider revoking the working license of South African owned companies such as MTN and DSTV.

He argued that Nigeria must respond firmly to what he described as persistent hostility against its citizens.

“I am not going to shed tears. If you hit me, I hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It is an economic struggle,” Oshiomhole said.

He argued that while some South Africans accuse Nigerians of taking their jobs, Nigerians should return home and take over employment opportunities created by major South African companies operating in the country, including MTN and DSTV.

“When we hit back, the President of South Africa will not only talk but will also go on his knees to recognise that Nigeria cannot be intimidated.

“We will not condone any life being lost. If a crime has been committed under the South African law they have the right to bring any such person to justice, but to kill our people as if we are helpless, we will not allow that,” Oshiomhole added.

DAILY POST reports that several Nigerians in South Africa have reportedly been attacked, and their businesses destroyed, in ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

News

IGP Orders Officers Display Name Tag On Uniform, Gives Update On State Police

Published

1 hour ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Tunji Disu, has ordered all police personnel to always have their name tags on their uniforms for easy identification.

Disu disclosed that only police personnel who are undercover are exempted from displaying their name tags.

Speaking on Tuesday, Disu said: “All police officers should have their name tags. All of us on the high table have our names apart from the undercover among us so if you look at all the Commissioners of Police we have our name tags, so it’s not our standard.

News

Court Orders SERAP To Pay DSS Operatives N100m For Defamation

Published

6 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has ordered a non-governmental organization, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, to pay N100 million as damaged to two operatives of the Department of the State Services, DSS, for unjustly defaming them in some publications.

The court also ordered SERAP to tender public apologies to the defamed officers,
Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, in two national newspapers, two television stations and its website.

Besides, the organization was also ordered to pay the two operatives N1 million as cost of litigation and 10 percent post-judgment interest annually on the judgment sum until it’s fully liquidated.

Justice Yusuf Halilu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory gave the order on Tuesday while delivering judgment in a N5.5 billion defamation suit instituted against SERAP by the DSS operatives.

The judge found SERAP liable for unjustly defaming the two DSS operatives with allegations that they unlawfully invaded its Abuja office, harassed and intimidated its staff, in September 2024.

In the offending publication on its website and Twitter handle, SERAP alleged that the two operatives unlawfully invaded and occupied its office with sinister motives.

The judge held that the publication was in bad taste especially from an organization established to promote transparency and accountability, as nothing in the publication was found to be truthful.

The DSS staff had listed SERAP as 1st defendant in the suit marked CV/4547/2024. SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, was listed as the 2nd defendant.

In the suit, the claimants – Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele – accused the two defendants of making false claims that they invaded SERAP’s Abuja office on September 9, 2024..

Counsel to the DSS, Oluwagbemileke Samuel Kehinde, had while adopting his final address in the mater urged the judge to grant all the reliefs sought by his client in the interest of justice.

He admitted that although the names of the two claimants were not mentioned in the defamation materials, they had however established substantial circumstances that they are the ones referred to in the published defamation article by SERAP on its website.

The counsel submitted that all ingredients of defamation have been clearly established and the offending publication referred to the two officials of the secret police.

However, SERAP, through its counsel, Victoria Bassey from Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, law firm, asked the court to dismiss the suit on the ground that the two claimants did not establish that they were the ones referred to in the alleged defamation materials.

She said that SERAP used “DSS officials” in the alleged offending publication, adding that the two claimants must establish that they are the ones referred to before their case can succeed.

Similar arguments were canvassed by Oluwatosin Adefioye who stood for the second defendant, adding that there was no dispute in the September 9, 2024 operation of DSS in SERAP’s office.

He said that since SERAP in the publication did not name any particular person, the claimants must plead special circumstances that they were the ones referred to as the DSS officials.

Besides, he said that there is no organization by name Department of State Services in law, hence, DSS cannot claim being defamed adding that the only entity known to law is National Security Agency.

The claimants had in the suit stated that the alleged false claim by SERAP has negatively impacted on their reputation.

The DSS also stated, in the statement of claim, that, in line with the agency’s practice of engaging with officials of non-governmental organisations operating in the FCT to establish a relationship with their new leadership, it directed the two officials – John and Ogunleye – to visit SERAP’s office and invite them for a familiarization meeting.

The claimants added that in carrying out the directive, John and Ogunleye paid a friendly visit to SERAP’s office at 18 Bamako Street, Wuse Zone 1, Abuja on September 9 and met with one Ruth, who upon being informed about the purpose of the visit, claimed that none of SERAP’s management staff was in the country and advised that a formal letter of invitation be written by the DSS.

John and Ogundele, who claimed that their interactions with Ruth were recorded, said before they immediately exited SERAP’s office, Ruth promised to inform her organisation’s management about the visit and volunteered a phone number – 08160537202.

They said it was surprising that, shortly after their visit, SERAP posted on its X (Twitter) handle – @SERAPNigeria – that officers of the DSS are presently unlawfully occupying its office.

The claimant added, “On the same day, the defendants also published a statement on SERAP’s website, which was widely reported by several media outfits, falsely alleging that some officers from the DSS, described as “a tall, large, dark-skinned woman” and “a slim, dark skinned man,” invaded their Abuja office and interrogated the staff of the first defendant (SERAP).

John and Ogundele stated that “due to the false statements published by the defendants, the DSS has been ridiculed and criticised by international agencies such as the Amnesty International and prominent members of the Nigerian society, such as Femi Falana (SAN)”.

“Due to the false statements published by the defendants, members of the public and the international community formed the opinion that the Federal Government is using the DSS to harass the defendants.”

They added that the defendants’ statements caused harm to their reputation because the staff and management of the DSS have formed the opinion that the claimants did not follow orders and carried out an unsanctioned operation and are therefore, incompetent and unprofessional.

The claimants therefore prayed the court for the following reliefs: “An order directing the defendants to tender an apology to the claimants via the first defendant’s (SERAP’s) website, X (twitter) handle, two national daily newspapers (Punch and Vanguard) and two national news television stations (Arise Television and Channels Television) for falsely accusing the claimants of unlawfully invading the first defendant’s office and interrogating the first defendant’s staff.

“An order directing the defendants to pay the claimants the sum of N5 billion as damages for the libellous statements published about the claimants.

“Interest on the sum of N5b at the rate of 10 percent per annum from the date of judgment until the judgment sum is realised or liquidated.

“An order directing the defendants to pay the claimants the sum of N50 million as costs of this action.”