Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has banned the use of floor-sitting as a form of punishment for pupils and students across all public schools in the state.
Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Ebanehita Sonia Omonzane, in a circular dated June 20, 2025, expressed concern over what it described as a “continued resort to degrading and non-pedagogical disciplinary measures,” particularly the act of forcing learners to sit on the floor or ground as punishment.
The circular, was to addressed to Acting Education Secretaries and school heads,and strongly condemned the practice, calling it demeaning, unhygienic, and incompatible with Nigeria’s national education standards as well as Edo State’s vision for a child-friendly, inclusive, and safe learning environment.
“The Board considers this practice as demeaning, unhygienic and inconsistent with child protection policies, national education standards and the vision of a safe, inclusive, and child-friendly learning environment championed by the Edo State Government,” the circular stated.
It emphasized that effective immediately, all forms of disciplinary actions that subject pupils or students to sit on the bare floor are strictly prohibited in all public basic education institutions in the state.
The circular concluded by calling for compliance from school administrators and stakeholders in the education sector, and reiterated the board’s commitment to ensuring the protection of the rights and welfare of every child in Edo State’s public school system.
