The Imo State Government has banned graduation parties for nursery and junior secondary school (JSS 3) students. Commissioner for Education, Bernard Ikegwuoha, announced the directive in a memo dated August 8, addressed to parents, guardians, and school proprietors. He said only Primary Six and Senior Secondary School students will henceforth be allowed to hold graduation parties.
Ikegwuoha explained that the decision was aimed at cutting unnecessary expenses for parents and ensuring focus on children’s academic achievements at the end of primary and secondary school cycles. He added that schools have also been directed to stop the yearly change of textbooks, with approved books to be used for a minimum of four years to ease financial strain and promote teaching consistency.
“Proprietors of faith-based and private schools must adhere to the approved list of textbooks. Frequent changes are financially burdensome for parents and undermine educational stability,” he said, stressing that the policy takes immediate effect across all public and private schools in the state.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) backed the new measures, describing them as a bold step toward eliminating wasteful and socially unproductive practices in education.Director-General of the NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, praised Governor Hope Uzodimma for setting a standard that prioritises discipline, value reorientation, and responsible upbringing. He warned that exposing children to flamboyant celebrations early in life distorts values of hard work and humility.
He urged other states to adopt similar policies, noting that they will help build a more disciplined and value-driven education system that emphasises resilience and academic focus over extravagance.
Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/
