Imo bans graduation ceremonies for nursery, JSS 3 pupils over financial burden on parents

The Imo State Government has placed an immediate ban on graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, and junior secondary school pupils.

Bernard Ikegwuoha, the Commissioner for Education, announced the policy in a memo addressed to parents, guardians, and stakeholders in the state’s education sector.

The measure, he said, is aimed at reducing financial burdens on parents and redirecting focus to the academic development of children.

He also directed school proprietors to stop the annual change of textbooks, describing the practice as financially draining and destabilising for families.

According to the commissioner, the new directive forms part of a wider policy designed to promote a more focused and efficient education system that benefits students, parents and society at large.

“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in Imo State is committed to providing quality and functional education to all students. To achieve this goal, the Ministry has established guidelines on graduation ceremonies and textbook usage in schools,” the statement read.

On graduation ceremonies, Ikegwuoha emphasised that only Primary 6 pupils and senior secondary school students are permitted to hold graduation events.

“Henceforth, ceremonies and parties for kindergarten, nursery, and JSS3 students are hereby abolished,” he said.

Regarding textbooks, the commissioner explained that schools must adopt the approved list and use them for at least four years so that siblings can reuse them.

He warned proprietors, particularly in private and faith-based schools, against frequent changes, saying the practice imposes financial strain on parents and undermines educational stability.

“By adopting the approved textbooks and allowing them to be used for the specified period, schools can promote a more efficient and effective learning environment,” he added.

The ministry said it would monitor compliance closely and take action against any school found violating the policy.

Meanwhile, many residents of Imo State have welcomed the initiative on social media, describing it as a relief from what they called exploitative practices by school proprietors who used graduation parties to extort parents.