The Imo State Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has issued a firm directive banning graduation ceremonies for Kindergarten, Nursery, and Junior Secondary School (JSS 3) classes in all private schools across the state.
The directive, contained in a circular dated April 27, 2026 and signed by the Commissioner, Prof. B. T. O. Ikegwuoha, serves as a final warning to proprietors, school heads, and stakeholders under the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Imo State chapter.
Approved Graduation Levels Only
According to the ministry, only Primary 6 pupils and Senior Secondary School (SSS 3) students are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies.
It stressed that all other graduation-related events for Nursery, Kindergarten, and JSS 3 classes remain strictly prohibited.
Ban on Levies and Compulsory Payments
The ministry also prohibited the collection of levies or contributions from pupils in Primary 1–5, JSS 1–3, and SSS 1–2 for graduation or send-forth ceremonies.
It stated that graduating classes may organise individual or parental celebrations, but such events must not involve schools in coordination, supervision, or financial collection.
Restriction on Frequent Textbook Changes
The circular further reaffirmed an existing ban on arbitrary and frequent changes of textbooks by private schools.
It directed that schools must maintain approved textbook lists for a minimum of four years, warning that parents should not be compelled to purchase new editions annually for profit-driven reasons.
The ministry also announced that a new list of approved textbooks will be released in August 2026, to remain valid until August 2030.
Sanctions for Violations
The government warned that schools found violating the directives will face strict sanctions, including:
Withdrawal of operating licences
Removal from the state register of approved schools
Possible declaration as unapproved or illegal institutions
Public Reporting Mechanism
Members of the public were encouraged to report erring schools, providing details such as school name, location, contact information, and nature of violation via WhatsApp only to designated numbers – 07076593298 and 07074272304.
The ministry emphasised that the policy is aimed at reducing financial pressure on parents and refocusing schools on academic excellence.
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