The Imo State Government has introduced new education policies aimed at easing financial pressure on families and strengthening focus on academics.
Effective immediately, graduation parties for nursery and Junior Secondary School (JSS3) students have been banned across the state.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, in a memo dated August 15, 2025, addressed to parents, guardians, and school proprietors.
According to the directive, only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) students are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies, in alignment with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system.
“The Ministry is committed to ensuring quality and functional education for all students,” Ikegwuoha said.
“Graduation parties for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS3 students are hereby abolished to ensure that attention is given to academic achievements at the proper milestones.”
The Commissioner also addressed the rising costs associated with the frequent change of textbooks in private and faith-based schools.
He described the yearly replacement of approved books as exploitative and a major burden on parents.
Going forward, all approved textbooks must be retained for a minimum of four years, allowing siblings and other students to share them across academic sessions. Proprietors have been warned against violating this directive.
“These measures will promote stability in the education system, reduce financial stress on families, and create a consistent learning environment for students,” Ikegwuoha noted.
The policy has already stirred public discussion, with education stakeholders describing it as a step toward balancing academic priorities with the economic realities facing many households in Imo State.
