Imo State Government Bans Graduation Parties for Nursery and Junior Secondary Schools

The Imo State government has announced a new policy banning schools from organizing graduation parties for nursery pupils and Junior Secondary School (JSS) students.

The directive was made public by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Bernard Ikegwuoha, in a memo addressed to parents, guardians, and school proprietors over the weekend. The memo, dated August 15, 2025, stated that the ban takes effect immediately.

According to the Commissioner, graduation ceremonies will now be restricted to only Primary 6 pupils and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) students, in line with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system. He stressed that the decision aims to place more focus on academic achievements rather than social celebrations.

“Henceforth, graduation ceremonies and parties for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS3 students are hereby abolished. This policy ensures that attention is on students’ educational milestones at the end of their primary and secondary education cycles,” the memo read.

In the same directive, the government also ordered schools to stop the yearly change of textbooks, describing the practice as a heavy financial burden on parents. Schools have now been instructed to use approved textbooks for at least four years, allowing siblings to share the same materials.

Professor Ikegwuoha warned school proprietors, especially those in private and faith-based institutions, against frequent textbook changes. He emphasized that the move would not only reduce financial stress on parents but also promote stability and consistency in learning.

The policy, according to the Education Ministry, is designed to build a more efficient and sustainable education system in Imo State, ensuring that both students and parents benefit.