The Imo State Government has banned graduation ceremonies for Nursery and Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3) students, citing the financial burden the practice places on parents and guardians.
This was announced by the state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, in a memo dated August 15, 2025, with reference number MOEPS/COMMR/2025/VOL. 1/155.
The directive is addressed to parents, guardians, and school proprietors across the state.
According to Ikegwuoha, only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS 3) students are allowed to hold graduation ceremonies, in line with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education structure.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is committed to providing quality and functional education to all students. Henceforth, graduation ceremonies and parties for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS 3 students are hereby abolished,” the memo read.
Ikegwuoha explained that the move is aimed at cutting unnecessary costs for parents and redirecting attention toward academic achievements at key transition stages in the school system.
The memo also addressed the frequent change of school textbooks, ordering all schools, especially private and faith-based institutions, to adopt the government-approved list of books for a minimum period of four years.
“Proprietors of faith-based and private schools must adhere to the approved list of textbooks. Frequent changes are financially burdensome for parents and undermine educational stability,” he said.
He added that the policy would allow siblings to reuse textbooks, ease financial pressure on households, and promote consistency in classroom learning.
The directive is to be implemented across all public and private primary and secondary schools in the state with immediate effect.