The Imo State government has announced a ban on graduation ceremonies and parties for pupils in nursery and Junior Secondary School (JSS) classes. This directive was made public by the State Commissioner for Education, Professor Bernard Ikegwuoha, through an official memo issued to parents, guardians, school proprietors, and other stakeholders in the education sector.
Dated August 15, 2025, the memo outlines new policies aimed at promoting a more efficient and cost-effective education system in the state. Effective immediately, only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) students will be permitted to hold graduation events.
According to Professor Ikegwuoha, the decision aligns with the structure of Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system and is designed to redirect focus toward students’ academic progress and reduce unnecessary financial burdens on families.
The memo states:
Graduation ceremonies and parties are now restricted to Primary 6 and SS3 students. Events for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS3 students are hereby abolished to ensure that all stakeholders concentrate on meaningful academic milestones.
In addition to the graduation policy, the Commissioner also addressed the frequent and unnecessary replacement of textbooks in schools. He directed all school proprietors—particularly those of private and faith-based institutions—to adhere to the approved textbook lists and ensure that textbooks are used for a minimum of four years.
He emphasized that:
Frequent changes in textbooks prevent siblings from reusing materials and place an undue financial strain on parents. To foster consistency and reduce costs, all schools must now use textbooks for four consecutive academic years.
Professor Ikegwuoha warned that failure to comply with these new regulations would not be tolerated, as the state government remains committed to ensuring quality, accessible, and sustainable education for all students in Imo State.
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