The Edo State Government has announced sweeping reforms in the education sector aimed at promoting stability, consistency, and quality learning across schools. The new policies, which take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session, were unveiled by the Ministry of Education on Tuesday.
According to the Ministry, approved textbooks will now be used for a minimum of four years before review. This means younger siblings are permitted to reuse textbooks previously purchased for their older siblings.
The state also announced a ban on elaborate graduation ceremonies for pre-basic pupils, including nursery/kindergarten and primary six. Graduation events will now be strictly reserved for pupils completing Basic Education (Primary 1–JSS 3) and Senior Secondary 3 (SSS 3). Even at these levels, only modest celebrations will be permitted, while prom parties are outrightly prohibited.
In addition, a new mandatory entrepreneurship skills policy will be introduced for JSS 3 students. Starting from the next academic session, all JSS 3 graduates will be required to undergo compulsory skills training and will be issued two certificates: the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and a Skills Acquisition Certificate in their chosen trade subject.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to holistic learning, the Ministry stated:
“Our goal is to produce students who are not only academically sound but also equipped with practical entrepreneurial skills to thrive in today’s world.”
