Photo caption: Graduation mortar on top of books. Photo credit: PUNCH
The Imo State Government has announced an immediate ban on graduation parties for kindergarten, nursery and Junior Secondary School pupils, saying the measure will reduce financial burdens on parents and redirect attention to the academic development of children.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, disclosed this in a memo addressed to parents, guardians and stakeholders in the state’s education sector.
He also directed school proprietors to stop the annual change of textbooks, which he described as financially draining and destabilising for families.
According to him, the decision forms part of a new policy designed to promote a more focused and efficient education system that benefits students, parents and the wider society.
The memo, dated August 15, 2025, with reference number MOEPS/COMMR/2025/VOL.1/155 and titled “Policy on Education for Public and Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Imo State,” stated that the policy takes effect immediately.
“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 stressed that, in line with the 6-3-3-4 education system, only Primary 6 pupils and Senior Secondary School students are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies.
“Henceforth, ceremonies and parties for kindergarten, nursery and JSS3 students are hereby abolished,” he said.
On textbook usage, the commissioner explained that schools must now adopt the approved list of textbooks and use them for a minimum of four years to enable siblings to reuse them.
He warned proprietors, especially in private and faith-based schools, against frequent changes, noting that 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 and take necessary action against defaulters.
Meanwhile, many residents of Imo State have commended the initiative on social media, describing it as a welcome relief from what they called exploitative practices by school proprietors who used graduation parties to extort parents.
