The Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has officially banned the act of making pupils and students sit on the bare floor as a form of punishment in public primary and junior secondary schools.
In a circular dated 20th June 2025, and signed by Hon. Ebanehita Sonia Omonzane, Executive Chairman of the Board, school heads and education secretaries were reminded that such disciplinary measures are no longer acceptable.
The Board stated, “The attention of the Edo State SUBEB has been drawn to the continued resort to degrading and non-pedagogical disciplinary measures in some public schools, particularly the act of punishing pupils by making them sit on the floor.”
According to the circular, the practice is considered demeaning, unhygienic, and against Nigeria’s child protection policy and national education standards. The statement added that it does not reflect the state’s vision of a child-friendly and inclusive learning environment.
The Board warned that the policy takes immediate effect, and any violation will not be tolerated.
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The move has been welcomed by parents and education advocates, especially those promoting child rights and proper school discipline. This development also supports ongoing education reforms focused on child welfare, safe school practices, and quality public education in Nigeria.