The Imo State Government has banned elaborate graduation parties for pupils in nursery, primary, and junior secondary schools, effective immediately.
In a memo dated August 15, 2025, Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, directed that only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) students may hold graduation ceremonies, in line with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system.
Ikegwuoha explained that the move would reduce the financial strain on parents and ensure celebrations are reserved for key academic milestones.
The directive also stops private and faith-based schools from changing textbooks yearly, mandating their use for at least four years to cut costs and enable siblings to share learning materials across sessions.
“The Ministry is committed to providing quality and functional education. This policy promotes affordability, stability, and fairness in the education sector,” the Commissioner stated.
“Proprietors must adhere to the approved textbook list to reduce costs and maintain consistency,” Ikegwuoha emphasised.
Meanwhile, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in a statement commended the Imo State Government for its recent decision to ban lavish graduation parties for pupils in nursery, primary, and junior secondary schools, describing it as a timely step toward curbing excesses and promoting responsible value reorientation among young learners.
According to the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the trend fosters unrealistic expectations of instant reward, encourages a culture of extravagance, and places undue financial pressure on parents, who are often compelled to fund what he described as a wasteful and socially unproductive practice.
Issa-Onilu emphasised that early exposure to such lavish celebrations distorts the values of hard work, humility, and delayed gratification, which are essential for personal growth and national development.
He added that the Agency is committed to working with state governments, schools, and parents to promote a culture prioritising discipline, modesty, and responsible upbringing among children. He added that the agency recently unveiled a campaign against extreme practices, and the ban by the state aligns with the general purpose of the campaign.
Speaking on the State Government’s directive to stop school proprietors from changing textbooks annually, he noted that the move will significantly reduce the financial burden on families caused by frequent textbook replacements, making education more affordable and accessible for all students.
Onilu stressed that Imo State’s policy allowing graduation ceremonies only for Primary 6 and Senior Secondary students aligns with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system, which ensures consistency with national education standards.
The DG also encouraged other states to adopt similar policies, noting that such measures foster a more disciplined and value-driven education system, rooted in hard work, resilience, and perseverance.
He explained that the policy contributes to a healthier educational environment by emphasising academic focus over extravagant celebrations during the early stages of schooling.
