The Gombe State Ministry of Education has issued a comprehensive policy directive aimed at promoting inclusive, equitable, and quality education across public and private schools in the state.
The policy statement, signed by the Director of Quality Assurance, Saidu Dauda Gadam, and approved by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Associate Prof. Aishatu Umar Maigari, outlines several new regulations for stakeholders in the education sector.
According to the directive, graduation ceremonies in all schools are now restricted to Primary Six, JSS III, and SSS III students only, with immediate effect.
In a bid to curb exploitative practices, the Ministry has also banned the compulsory purchase of learning materials exclusively within schools. Schools wishing to sell items such as textbooks, uniforms, and writing materials must ensure they are also available in open markets, giving parents and guardians the freedom of choice.
The Ministry further condemned the rising trend of unruly student behaviour during end-of-year celebrations, popularly known as the ‘Sign-Out’ culture, describing it as unsafe and unacceptable. The practice is now officially banned in both public and private schools.
In addition, schools have been directed to stop the use of textbooks with built-in worksheets or answer spaces. Such materials, according to the Ministry, prevent re-use and create financial burdens for parents. Starting September 15, 2026, all schools must adopt re-usable textbooks, while optional workbooks or exercise books should be provided separately, in line with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) curriculum.
The Ministry also announced the temporary suspension of registration for new private, community, and faith-based schools. Existing institutions that are yet to complete registration or obtain final approval certificates have until October 31, 2025, to do so.
The statement emphasized that all private schools must align their academic operations with government policies, particularly in areas such as curriculum implementation, skill development, and anti-bullying measures.
Furthermore, private Senior Secondary Schools without accreditation for external examinations such as WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or NBAIS have been directed to report to the Ministry for proper guidance.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring quality, accessible, and affordable education for all residents of Gombe State.
