EDO SUBEB BANS POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS, DISTRIBUTION OF PARTY MATERIALS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Board Warns Headteachers, Principals and Teachers Against Using Pupils as Political Messengers, Threatens Disciplinary Action Against Defaulters
BENIN CITY, EDO STATE — The Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has issued a strong warning to school administrators and teachers against allowing politicians and their agents to engage in political activities or distribute political materials in public primary and junior secondary schools across the state.
The directive, contained in a circular dated October 14, 2026, and issued through the Board’s Human Resources Department, prohibits political campaigns, rallies, canvassing and the distribution of political materials within school premises during or after school hours.
The circular, addressed to all Acting Education Secretaries, with copies to principals, headteachers and teachers, expressed concern over reports that some school administrators and teachers were allowing politicians and their agents to access public schools to distribute items such as school bags, books and pencils.
According to the Board, there were also allegations that some pupils and students were being used to convey political flyers to their parents to solicit political support.
SUBEB described the development as “highly embarrassing and totally unacceptable,” stressing that public schools must remain neutral environments dedicated to teaching, learning and the overall development of children.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS MUST REMAIN NON-PARTISAN
Reaffirming its position on political neutrality in the education sector, the Board stated that all public primary and junior secondary schools must remain non-partisan zones.
It emphasised that no political campaign, rally or canvassing would be permitted on school premises, regardless of the political party or individual involved.
The circular further warned headteachers, principals and teachers against receiving gifts or branded materials from politicians or political parties for distribution to pupils and students without prior approval from the Board.
SUBEB also made it clear that pupils and students must not be used as political messengers or canvassers under any circumstances.
The directive is aimed at preventing the use of educational institutions for partisan political activities and ensuring that schoolchildren are not drawn into political mobilisation.
SUBEB THREATENS DISCIPLINARY ACTION
The Board warned that any violation of the directive would be treated as gross misconduct under Public Service Rule 030422 and could attract severe disciplinary measures.
According to the circular, such sanctions may include the removal of headteachers, principals and other staff found culpable in facilitating prohibited political activities within school premises.
The warning underscores the Board’s determination to hold school administrators and teachers accountable for maintaining discipline and protecting the integrity of public educational institutions.
EDUCATION SECRETARIES DIRECTED TO MONITOR COMPLIANCE
To ensure strict enforcement, all Acting Education Secretaries have been directed to circulate the directive to headteachers and principals in their respective Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) and obtain formal acknowledgement.
They are also required to monitor schools closely and report any incident of political interference or violation of the circular to the Board immediately.
Furthermore, the Board directed that any politician or individual wishing to support public schools must channel such assistance through the appropriate authorities via the relevant LGEA for proper documentation and approval.
This procedure is intended to ensure transparency and accountability in the donation of educational materials while preventing the unauthorised use of school facilities for political purposes.
BOARD CALLS FOR STRICT COMPLIANCE
The circular, signed by Amadasun Blessing, Director of Human Resources, for the Executive Chairman of Edo SUBEB, urged all relevant personnel to ensure that the directive is brought to the attention of every staff member and strictly obeyed.
The development serves as a reminder to school administrators and teachers of their responsibility to protect pupils and students from partisan political activities and preserve the neutrality of public schools.
With political activities expected to intensify ahead of future elections, the Board’s directive reinforces the need to keep classrooms focused on education rather than political mobilisation.
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