A total of seven state governments across Nigeria have initiated key reforms in their education sectors, with a primary focus on sanitizing the school environment and reducing the financial burden on parents. The policies, which range from banning extravagant social activities to overhauling academic curricula, represent a concerted effort to re-establish the core purpose of education at the primary and secondary levels.
From the South-West to the North-Central, the reforms are being implemented with a common goal: to shift focus from social events to academic excellence. Authorities are also working to improve school infrastructure and teacher quality, ensuring a conducive learning environment for students.
Breakdown of Reforms by State
1. Benue State: The state government has announced a ban on graduation parties in basic schools, alongside a directive to abolish the use of customized textbooks. The government also put an end to compulsory extended lessons after regular school hours, except where parents provide explicit consent.
2. Anambra: The Anambra State Government has banned the practice of writing assignments inside textbooks to make them reusable for younger siblings. This is intended to promote sustainability and reduce financial pressure on parents.
3. Imo State: Similar to Benue, Imo State has prohibited extravagant graduation parties for pupils in nursery, primary, and junior secondary schools. The government has also directed school proprietors to cease the practice of changing textbooks annually. This measure is aimed at easing the financial pressure on parents by allowing families to reuse books for at least three academic sessions.
4. Ondo State: The Ondo State government has also joined the movement, banning graduation parties for nursery and junior secondary school students. The state’s Ministry of Education stated that the policy is intended to reduce unnecessary expenses for parents and to re-accredit all private schools for quality asassurance.
5. Edo State: In a move lauded by parents and stakeholders, the Edo State Government has also banned graduation ceremonies in nursery and primary schools, allowing only those who have completed basic education and Senior Secondary School Education to hold modest graduation events. The government has also permitted the reuse of textbooks and mandated entrepreneurship skills training for all JSS3 students.
6. Oyo State: The Oyo State government’s reforms are primarily focused on infrastructure and manpower development. The state has returned about 60,000 out-of-school children to the classrooms and doubled the number of teachers in its public schools. The administration is also embarking on a massive construction and renovation of classrooms across all 33 local government areas.
7. Kaduna State: Kaduna has unveiled a strategic plan to overhaul its education system with a focus on inclusion and vocational training. The government’s new policy includes a comprehensive plan to integrate Almajiri children into mainstream learning through literacy and vocational training programmes, while also removing barriers such as compulsory school uniforms and Parent Teacher Association levies to encourage mass enrollment.
