The Imo State Government has imposed an immediate ban on graduation parties for kindergarten, nursery, and junior secondary school students, citing the need to lessen financial pressures on parents while also focusing emphasis on children’s academic growth.
Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, the Commissioner for Education, stated this in a note to parents, guardians, and stakeholders in the state’s education sector.
He also instructed school administrators to discontinue the annual textbook change, which he described as financially taxing and destabilising for families.
According to him, the move is part of a new policy aimed at promoting a more focused and efficient education system for the benefit of children, parents, and society as a whole.
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,” mentioned 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.
At graduation ceremonies, Ikegwuoha emphasised 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.
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 issued a warning to 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 stated that it would monitor compliance and take appropriate measures against defaulters.
Meanwhile, many Imo State citizens have praised the idea on social media, characterising it as a welcome break from what they say are exploitative tactics by school administrators who use graduation celebrations to extort parents.
