2
BENIN – Edo State Government has introduced a new policy on education which stated that henceforth only textbooks recommended and approved by the Ministry of Education would be permitted in all schools across the State.
The new policy is for basic and secondary schools in line with the national and state policies on Education, as well as the Edo State Education Law and other relevant statutory frameworks.
Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu, in a statement stated that all schools, public, private, and faith-based in Edo State are required to strictly comply with the policy.
The commissioner also stated that the policy allows younger siblings to use approved textbooks previously purchased by their older siblings.
According to the Commissioner, only textbooks recommended and approved by the Ministry would be permitted in all schools across the State.
He cautioned authors and publishers that no textbooks should contain workspaces within its content, saying, ‘any textbook that includes workspaces will be derecognized by the Ministry.
Dr. Iyamu also said that only students who have completed the Basic 1-9 and Senior Secondary 3 were permitted to hold graduation celebrations.
“All Pre-Basic pupils were 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.
While pegging the minimum age of a pupil to write an MBA (primary 6) remains 10 yrs, Iyamu also announced a mandatory four-week intensive entrepreneurship skills training programme for all JSS 3 students.
“This is in line with the transformation drive of our education-loving Governor 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,” he declared.