Top Southeast Governor Bans Nursery, JSS 3 Graduation Parties, Gives Reason

Top Southeast Governor Bans Nursery, JSS 3 Graduation Parties, Gives Reason

  • The Imo state government approved a policy to promote an efficient education system that benefits students, parents, and the wider society
  • Governor Hope Uzodimma approved the immediate ban on graduation parties for kindergarten, nursery, and Junior Secondary School (JSS3) students, citing financial burden
  • The commissioner for education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, confirmed this and shared further details

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

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 textbooks change, kindergarten graduation ceremonies
Governor Hope Uzodimma bans nursery, JSS 3 graduation parties, citing one major reason. Photo credit: Hope Uzodimma
Source: Facebook

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.

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“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.
Imo bans annual textbook changes, graduation parties for Nursery, JSS
Imo state government bans graduation ceremonies and annual textbook changes. Photo credit: Raven, Fotolia
Source: UGC

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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Similarly, Legit.ng reported that the Adamawa State Ministry of Education placed a strict ban on the "Maker Day" celebration by Senior Secondary Certificate Examination candidates.

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Legit.ng gathered that the education board is taking actions to maintain the positive change in the sector to provide adequate learning skills and moral conduct, under the leadership of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

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Legit.ng previously reported that the residents of Kano state expressed dismay over how some secondary school graduates recently celebrate the completion of their examinations, describing certain behaviours as "indecent” and contrary to the state’s cultural and religious values.

Findings by Legit.ng show that the tradition of students marking each other’s shirts with pens has been a long-standing practice across Nigeria. Many now accuse some male students of exploiting the ritual to molest female colleagues.

Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Esther Odili avatar

Esther Odili (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Esther Odili is a journalist and a Politics/Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng with 6+ years of experience. She Holds OND and HND in Mass Communication from the Nigerian Institue of Journalism (NIJ), where she was recognized as the best student in print journalism in 2018. Before joining Legit.ng, Esther has worked with other reputable media houses, such as the New Telegraph newspaper and Galaxy Television. In 2024, Esther obtained a certificate in advanced digital reporting from the Google News Initiative. Email: esther.odili@corp.legit.ng.

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