Imo govt bans nursery, JSS3 graduation parties

The Imo State government has dropped a hammer on schools across the state, abolishing the widely celebrated graduation parties for nursery and Junior Secondary School (JSS3) students.

The directive, contained in a memo signed by the state’s Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, and dated August 15, 2025, warned proprietors of both public and private schools to comply with immediate effect.

According to the memo, only Primary 6 pupils and Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) students are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies under Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system.

“Graduation ceremonies and parties for Kindergarten, Nursery and Junior Secondary School 3 students are hereby abolished,” the commissioner declared.

The new policy, the government insists, is aimed at restoring focus on academic achievements rather than flamboyant celebrations that have become yearly rituals in schools.

But that’s not all. The state also moved against what it described as “textbook extortion” by school owners. Prof. Ikegwuoha said schools must stop the yearly introduction of new textbooks, stressing that the practice was financially draining parents and guardians.

Henceforth, textbooks on the approved list are to be used for four years, allowing siblings to reuse them.

“Proprietors are warned to desist from frequent change of textbooks every academic year, as this practice can be financially burdening for parents and undermine the quality of education,” the statement read.

The commissioner added that faith-based and private schools are not exempted from this order, stressing that violators would face sanctions.

While some parents are applauding the move as a relief from exploitative spending, others argue that graduation ceremonies are a source of pride and memory for their children.

With this new policy, the government appears determined to draw a line between education and entertainment in Imo schools.