The Ebonyi State government has announced sweeping reforms in the education sector, including a ban on graduation ceremonies for nursery and primary school pupils, compulsory lessons, and writing inside textbooks.
Commissioner for Education, Dr. Donatus Ilang, disclosed the directives in a memo addressed to principals, head teachers, proprietors of private and faith-based schools, parents, guardians, and the general public. He warned that strict compliance was expected or sanctions would follow.
According to the memo, graduation ceremonies are now strictly reserved for students completing Basic Education (JSS3) and Senior Secondary (SS3), while kindergarten, nursery, and Primary 6 are barred from holding such ceremonies.
The new measures, which align with Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs Agenda and the state’s education reform policy, also include:
- Closure of unapproved or unqualified private and faith-based schools, with parents instructed to transfer their wards to government-approved schools.
- Mandatory presentation of the First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) before gaining admission into secondary school.
- Enforcement of the transfer certificate policy, requiring students seeking transfer to present valid documents from their former schools.
- Ban on grading students by position, except for first, second, and third place. Other students will be assessed strictly on pass or fail, with failures repeating the class.
- Retention of government-approved textbooks for four years, with a prohibition on writing or assignments inside them to ensure reuse by younger siblings.
- Introduction of compulsory entrepreneurship and skill acquisition courses, with certificates awarded upon graduation from Basic Education and SS3.
- A ban on compulsory lessons across schools, except where a prior agreement is reached between parents and school authorities.
Dr. Ilang emphasized that the reforms aim to enhance the quality of education in Ebonyi State and ensure fairness in school practices.
