Imo govt threatens sanctions, license revocation over illegal graduation ceremonies in schools
The Imo state government has issued a stern warning to private school proprietors against organising graduation ceremonies for pupils in kindergarten, nursery, primary classes below Primary 6, and junior secondary
The Imo state government has issued a stern warning to private school proprietors against organising graduation ceremonies for pupils in kindergarten, nursery, primary classes below Primary 6, and junior secondary classes, declaring that violators risk losing their operating licenses.
In a directive released by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and dated April 27, 2026, the government reaffirmed its ban on what it described as “unauthorised and exploitative graduation practices,” insisting that schools must comply or face strict sanctions.
According to the notice, “graduation ceremonies are strictly prohibited for kindergarten, nursery and junior secondary school students,” adding that only pupils in Primary 6 and students in Senior Secondary School (SSS 3) are permitted to hold such events.
The government warned that any school found flouting the directive would face severe penalties, including “immediate withdrawal of license, de-listing from the approved schools register, and possible declaration as an illegal institution.”
The Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Prof. B.T.O. Ikegwuoha, who signed the notice, said the policy aimed to curb the financial burden placed on parents by unnecessary ceremonies.
“We have observed with concern the growing trend where schools impose graduation ceremonies on very young pupils, thereby forcing parents to incur avoidable expenses. This must stop,” he said.
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The Ministry further directed that no student in Primary 1–5, JSS 1–3, or SSS 1–2 should be compelled to contribute money for send-forth or graduation events organised for others.
“Schools are not permitted to organise, supervise, or collect levies for any form of send-forth,” the statement stressed, noting that while parents of graduating pupils in Primary 6 and SSS 3 may make private arrangements, such activities must not be school-driven.
In a related development, the government also imposed restrictions on the frequent changes to textbooks by private schools, accusing some operators of exploiting parents for profit.
“Schools must adhere strictly to approved textbook lists and are not allowed to introduce new books arbitrarily. Approved texts are to remain in use for a minimum period of four years,” Ikegwuoha stated.
He disclosed that a new list of government-approved textbooks would take effect from August 2026 and remain valid until August 2030.
The Ministry called on members of the public to report erring schools, provided dedicated WhatsApp lines for complaints, and urged that reports include verifiable details.
“All school heads, whether in public or private institutions, are hereby directed to comply fully with these guidelines in the interest of educational standards and the welfare of parents,” the Commissioner added.
