By Douglas Princemola
The Imo State Government has abolished graduation parties for nursery and Junior Secondary School (JSS3) students and restricted the frequent change of textbooks in private and faith-based schools.
According to a directive issued by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, the decision is aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents and restoring focus on academics. Henceforth, only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) pupils are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies, in line with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education structure.
The government also ordered that approved textbooks must remain in use for at least four years, curbing the practice of yearly changes by school proprietors. Officials say the reforms are designed to promote stability in the education system, ensure affordability for families, and keep attention on academic milestones rather than social events.
