The Imo State Government has placed an immediate ban on graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, and Junior Secondary School (JSS) pupils. The decision aims to reduce financial burdens on parents and refocus attention on students’ academic development.
The directive was contained in a memo issued by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, and addressed to parents, guardians, and education stakeholders. The memo, dated August 15, 2025, with reference number MOEPS/COMMR/2025/VOL.1/155, also ordered school proprietors to halt the frequent change of textbooks, describing the practice as financially draining and disruptive for families.
Prof. Ikegwuoha explained that the policy is designed to create a more stable, cost-effective, and academically driven education system that better serves students, parents, and society.
“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.