Imo Bans Nursery, JSS3 Graduation Parties, Restricts Yearly Textbook Changes

By Babatunji Wusu

• Graduation ceremonies limited to Primary 6 and SSS3 only
• Nursery, Kindergarten, and JSS3 graduation parties abolished
• Approved textbooks to be used for a minimum of four years
• Move aims to ease financial burden and promote academic focus

The Imo State Government has announced a ban on graduation parties for nursery and Junior Secondary School (JSS3) students, citing the need to ease financial pressure on parents and maintain focus on academics.

Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, issued the directive in a memo dated August 15, 2025, addressed to parents, guardians, and school proprietors.

Effective immediately, only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) students will be allowed to hold graduation ceremonies, in line with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system.

“The Ministry is committed to providing quality and functional education to all students in the state. Graduation ceremonies and parties for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS3 students are hereby abolished,” Ikegwuoha stated. “This policy ensures focus on academic achievements at the completion of primary and secondary education cycles.”

The Commissioner also tackled the issue of frequent textbook changes in private and faith-based schools, describing it as a financial burden on families. He directed that approved textbooks must be used for at least four years, allowing siblings to share them across sessions.

“Proprietors are warned to desist from frequent textbook changes. Adopting the approved list for four years promotes stability, reduces costs for parents, and enhances a consistent learning environment,” he said.

According to Ikegwuoha, these measures are part of government’s efforts to build a more efficient and financially sustainable education system that benefits students, parents, and the wider public.