The Imo State Government has prohibited graduation parties for kindergarten, nursery, and Junior Secondary School (JSS3) pupils, saying the move is aimed at easing financial pressure on parents and prioritising academic development.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, announced the policy in a memo addressed to parents, guardians, and education stakeholders. He also directed schools to stop the frequent annual change of textbooks, which he described as both financially draining and disruptive for families.
According to him, the measures are part of a new policy framework designed to promote a more focused and sustainable education system that benefits students, parents, and society.
The memo, dated August 15, 2025, with reference number MOEPS/COMMR/2025/VOL.1/155 and titled “Policy on Education for Public and Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Imo State,” stated that the guidelines take effect immediately.
On graduation ceremonies, Prof. Ikegwuoha explained that, in line with the 6-3-3-4 education system, only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School students are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies.
“Henceforth, ceremonies and parties for kindergarten, nursery, and JSS3 students are hereby abolished,” he declared.
On textbook usage, the commissioner ordered schools to adopt the approved list of textbooks and use them for a minimum of four years, enabling siblings to reuse them. He warned proprietors, especially in private and faith-based schools, against unnecessary changes that impose extra costs on parents and undermine educational stability.
“By adopting the approved textbooks and allowing them to remain in use for the specified period, schools can promote a more efficient and effective learning environment,” he said.
The ministry added that it would strictly monitor compliance and sanction any defaulters.
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Meanwhile, many Imo residents have welcomed the decision, with several social media users hailing it as a relief from exploitative practices by some schools that turned graduation parties into avenues for extorting parents.
