Imo State Government has abolished graduation parties for nursery and Junior Secondary School (JSS) 3 students, describing the move as part of efforts to refocus the education system.
Commissioner for Education, Professor Bernard Ikegwuoha, announced the policy in a memo issued to parents, guardians and education stakeholders over the weekend.
He said the directive, effective immediately, also stops schools from changing textbooks every year to allow siblings reuse books and reduce financial pressure on parents.
According to 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,” graduation ceremonies will now be limited to only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 students in line with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system.
“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 for graduation ceremonies and textbook usage,” the statement read.
Ikegwuoha said the ban on ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery and JSS 3 pupils was to ensure schools, parents and students concentrate on academic achievements at the completion of primary and secondary education cycles.
He also directed proprietors of public and private schools to stop the yearly introduction of new textbooks, describing the practice as an unnecessary financial burden on parents and guardians.
