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Are Phones Banned in Nigerian Schools? State Rules in 2026
Partly. Nigeria has no national ban, but some states ban phones in schools. Anambra banned student phone use in secondary schools in March 2025, Oyo reinforced its ban in September 2025, and Benue barred phones during school hours from September 2026.
There is no federal law or national directive, so rules are set by states. In Anambra, the Post Primary Schools Service Commission said on 14 March 2025 that principals and teachers may confiscate phones students bring to secondary school. Oyo's ban covers public and private secondary schools. In Benue, learners may not possess or use phones during school hours unless authorised for learning.
Anambra announced its ban at a schools' cultural day in Awka in March 2025. In April 2025 an Oyo lawmaker moved a motion to curb phones in secondary schools, and in September 2025 the state government reinforced its existing ban before the new term. On 8 September 2026 Benue's education commissioner announced a phone ban alongside a ban on compulsory extra lessons. Other states may follow.
Anambra relies on confiscation by principals and teachers. Benue says it will strengthen monitoring across state schools and that ignorance of the policy is no excuse, with sanctions for schools and individuals who break the rules. The Oyo motion stressed official channels so parents can reach students in emergencies. Rules differ by state, so check with your state ministry.
Whatever the rule in Nigeria requires, lockable pouches let students keep their own phone, locked, from the first bell to the last, so secondary schools do not collect, store or answer for devices. Before The Internet ships lockable phone pouches and unlocking bases worldwide, including to Nigeria, and can print the school's name or crest on them. Schools buy them outright: one price, no subscription, lease or per-student annual licence. Send us your student numbers and any written quote you already have, and we will beat it.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a national school phone ban in Nigeria?
No. Rules are set at state level. Anambra, Oyo and Benue are among the states that ban phones in schools.
Do state bans cover private schools?
It depends on the state. Oyo's directive covers public and private secondary schools. Anambra's announcement came from the commission that oversees public secondary schools, and reports do not say whether private schools are included.
Are there exemptions?
Benue allows phones where specifically authorised for legitimate educational purposes under school guidelines. Reports on Anambra and Oyo do not list exemptions.
Related reading
School phone bans by country · Phone-free schools toolkit · How to roll out phone pouches in a school
Written by the team at Before The Internet, a Toronto-based phone-free company that rents lockable phone pouches for events across North America and sells them to schools and venues worldwide, shipping purchases to any country.
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