Imo Govt Bans Pupils’ Graduation Parties

The Imo State Government has introduced sweeping reforms in its education sector, sparking reactions from parents and stakeholders.

Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration announced the new policy through a memo signed on August 15, 2025, by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Bernard Ikegwuoha.

In the document titled “Policy on Education for Public and Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Imo State”, the government directed schools to scrap graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, and Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) students.

The new rule allows only pupils finishing Primary 6 and students completing Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) to hold graduation parties, in line with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system.

Professor Ikegwuoha explained that the decision aims to shift focus back to academics instead of expensive ceremonies.

He stressed that schools, parents, and guardians must place emphasis on educational milestones that truly mark the end of a learning cycle.

According to him, holding graduation events at every stage distracts from academic achievement and drains parents financially.

Beyond graduation parties, the Commissioner also tackled the growing issue of frequent textbook changes.

He condemned schools for introducing new textbooks every year, describing the trend as exploitative.

To ease the financial stress on families, the government directed that all approved textbooks must remain in use for at least four years.

This allows siblings to reuse the same materials and helps parents avoid unnecessary spending.

“Proprietors of private and faith-based schools must stick to the approved list of textbooks,” Ikegwuoha warned.

“Constantly changing books every academic session not only burdens parents but also disrupts the stability needed to improve learning outcomes.”

He further explained that adopting a four-year lifespan for textbooks would encourage uniformity across schools in Imo State.

According to him, consistency in learning materials creates a more efficient environment for both teachers and students.

He emphasized that the government wants to improve the quality of education without adding unnecessary costs to families already struggling with economic hardship.

Stakeholders have begun reacting to the policy.

Some parents welcomed the move, noting that graduation parties for very young children had become unnecessary social competitions.

Others applauded the textbook directive, saying it would help them save money and provide relief for households with multiple school-aged children.

The new policy takes immediate effect across both public and private schools.

The government has vowed to monitor strict compliance and sanction schools that attempt to bypass the rules.

By focusing on long-term academic achievement, the Uzodimma administration hopes to restore balance and affordability to education in Imo State.

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