The Edo State Government has rolled out a new education policy for basic and secondary schools, aligning with the National and State Policies on Education, the Edo State Education Law, and other statutory frameworks.
Announcing the development, the government said the policy would be binding on all public, private, and faith-based schools across the state.
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A key highlight of the policy is the approval for younger siblings to reuse recommended textbooks purchased by their older siblings, a move aimed at easing financial burdens on parents. Only textbooks sanctioned by the Ministry of Education will be allowed in schools.
Commissioner for Education, Dr. Emmanuel Iyamu, cautioned authors and publishers against producing textbooks containing workspaces. He warned:
“Any textbook that includes workspaces will be derecognised by the ministry.”
The new directive also limits graduation celebrations to only students completing Basic 1–9 and Senior Secondary 3, while pre-basic pupils are barred from holding graduation parties.
According to Iyamu, the policy is designed to improve quality learning outcomes:
“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. The minimum age of a pupil to write MBA (Primary 6) remains 10 years.”
In addition, the government introduced a mandatory four-week entrepreneurship training programme for all JSS 3 students before writing their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
“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,” Dr. Iyamu added.
With this development, the Edo unveils new education policy initiative is set to not only strengthen academic standards but also equip students with entrepreneurial skills to thrive in a competitive society.
