The Edo State Government has announced a series of major reforms in its education sector, including a ban on graduation parties for nursery and primary school pupils.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Education, the government outlined new policies taking effect from the 2025/2026 academic session, aimed at improving learning quality, consistency, and stability across schools in the state.
Key highlights of the reforms include:
- No more graduation parties for pre-basic and primary school pupils.
- Graduation ceremonies will now be limited to students finishing JSS3 and SSS3, and even then, only modest celebrations will be allowed. Prom parties have been completely banned.
- A new textbook reuse policy will allow younger siblings to use approved books purchased by their older siblings. Each textbook will remain in use for at least four years before being reviewed.
- All JSS3 students must now undergo compulsory entrepreneurship training before graduation.
- Graduating JSS3 students will now receive two certificates: the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and a Skills Acquisition Certificate in their chosen trade subject.
According to the Ministry, these changes are part of broader efforts to ensure that Edo students are not just academically sound but also practically skilled and job-ready in today’s competitive world.
