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

The Imo State government has announced a ban on graduation parties for pupils in nursery schools and students in Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), citing the financial burden such events place on parents and guardians.

The Commissioner for Education, Professor Bernard Ikegwuoha, disclosed the new policy in a memo issued at the weekend and addressed to parents, guardians, school proprietors, and other stakeholders in the education sector.

According to Ikegwuoha, the ban takes immediate effect as part of the state government’s broader efforts to ease costs for families while redirecting attention to the academic development of children.

The commissioner also directed schools across the state both public and private to desist from the annual practice of changing textbooks. He stressed that such changes are unnecessary and impose avoidable expenses on parents, noting that younger siblings should be able to use the same books previously purchased for older ones.

In the memo dated August 15, 2025, with reference number MOEPS/COMMR/2025/VOL. 1/155 and titled “Policy on Education for Public and Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Imo State”, the government emphasized that the measures were carefully designed to strengthen the education system and prioritize students’ learning needs.

“The new policy will promote a more focused and efficient education system in Imo State, while reducing the financial strain on parents and guardians,” Ikegwuoha stated.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that education remains accessible, affordable, and impactful for all students in the state.