The Imo State Government has announced a ban on graduation ceremonies for Nursery and Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3) students, describing the practice as an unnecessary financial burden on parents and guardians.

The directive was contained in a memo signed by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, dated August 15, 2025, with reference number MOEPS/COMMR/2025/VOL. 1/155, and circulated to parents, guardians, and school proprietors across the state.

According to the commissioner, only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS 3) students are permitted 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 decision is meant to reduce avoidable expenses and channel focus toward academic achievements at critical transition points in the school system.

The memo also addressed concerns about the frequent change of textbooks in schools, especially private and faith-based institutions, directing them to adopt the government-approved list of books for a minimum 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,” Ikegwuoha stated.

He added that the policy would help families by allowing siblings to reuse textbooks, ease financial pressure, and foster consistency in teaching and learning.

The directive takes immediate effect across all public and private primary and secondary schools in the state.