By John Umeh
The Imo State Government has announced a sweeping reform in its education sector, banning graduation parties for kindergarten, nursery, and Junior Secondary School (JSS3) pupils. The decision, according to the authorities, is aimed at reducing unnecessary financial pressure on parents and refocusing attention on the academic development of children.
Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, disclosed the policy in a memo dated August 15, 2025, addressed to parents, guardians, and school proprietors across the state. The circular, referenced MOEPS/COMMR/2025/VOL.1/155 and titled “Policy on Education for Public and Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Imo State,” emphasized that the directive takes immediate effect.
Prof. Ikegwuoha clarified that only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School (SS3) students—who are completing recognized stages of the 6-3-3-4 education system—are allowed to hold graduation ceremonies. He stressed that elaborate celebrations for kindergarten, nursery, and JSS3 students are wasteful and unnecessary.
“Henceforth, ceremonies and parties for kindergarten, nursery, and JSS3 students are hereby abolished,” the Commissioner stated.
Restrictions on Textbook Changes
Beyond graduation parties, the new policy also addresses the frequent change of textbooks by schools, a trend Ikegwuoha described as financially draining for families. Under the new rules, schools are required to adopt the government-approved list of textbooks and use them for at least four years, allowing younger siblings to reuse books and ensuring stability in the learning process.
The Commissioner warned proprietors of private and faith-based schools against flouting the directive, noting that exploitative practices such as regular textbook changes and excessive demands for ceremonies place undue strain on parents and destabilize the education system.
Focus on Efficiency and Equity
The Imo State Ministry of Education stressed that the reforms are part of efforts to build a quality, functional, and affordable education system. By cutting down on non-academic expenses and enforcing consistent textbook usage, the government hopes to create a more efficient and student-focused learning environment.
To ensure compliance, the ministry announced that it will closely monitor schools and sanction defaulters.
Public Reactions
On social media, many residents of Imo State welcomed the move, praising the government for what they described as a long-overdue step to protect parents from exploitative practices. Several parents expressed relief, noting that graduation parties for young children had become unnecessarily extravagant, while constant textbook changes forced them to spend heavily every academic session.
The new policy, observers say, marks a major shift in education culture within the state and could serve as a model for other states seeking to balance quality education with affordability.
