The Imo State Government has announced an immediate ban on graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, and Junior Secondary School (JSS) pupils, aiming to ease financial pressures on parents and shift focus toward students’ academic development.
The directive was disclosed in a memo by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, addressed to parents, guardians, and education stakeholders in the state.
In the memo, dated August 15, 2025, with reference number MOEPS/COMMR/2025/VOL.1/155, the commissioner also instructed school proprietors to stop the frequent change of textbooks, describing it as financially draining and destabilizing for families.
According to Ikegwuoha, the new policy seeks to create 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.
The policy stipulates that only Primary 6 pupils and Senior Secondary School students may hold graduation ceremonies, aligning with the 6-3-3-4 education system.
Ceremonies and parties for kindergarten, nursery, and JSS3 students are therefore prohibited.
On textbooks, the commissioner explained that schools must now use the approved list for a minimum of four years, allowing siblings to reuse them and reducing unnecessary financial burdens on parents.
He warned proprietors, particularly private and faith-based schools, against frequent changes, emphasizing that the practice 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,” Ikegwuoha added.
The ministry assured that compliance would be monitored and appropriate action taken against defaulters.
Social media users in Imo State have largely welcomed the initiative, praising it as a relief from what they described as exploitative practices by some school proprietors.