Anxiety as Imo state government Bans Nursery, JSS 3 Graduation Parties, Gives Reason
Imo state government, led by Governor Hope Uzodimma, has banned graduation parties for nursery and Junior Secondary School (JSS 3) students, citing the financial burden such ceremonies place on parents and guardians.
Imo bans graduation parties over finance burden The commissioner for education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, announced the new directive in a memo dated August 15, 2025, and addressed to parents, guardians, and school proprietors.
As reported by The Guardian on Monday, August 18, the commissioner noted that only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School (SSS 3) students in Imo state are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies in line with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system.
“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.
Why Uzodimma approved the strict ban Speaking further, Ikegwuoha explained that the policy aims to reduce unnecessary expenses for parents and redirect focus to academic achievement at the end of primary and secondary school cycles.
Imo bans annual textbooks change In addition, the government ordered schools to stop the yearly change of textbooks, directing that approved books must be used for a minimum of four years.
He said the measure would allow siblings to reuse books, ease financial strain on families, and promote consistency in teaching.
Meanwhile, the new policy takes immediate effect across all public and private primary and secondary schools in the state.
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