Imo State Bans Graduation Rites for Youngest Students, Forbids Schools from Changing Textbooks Too Often

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The Imo State Ministry of Education (Primary and Secondary) has issued a firm warning to private schools, reaffirming a strict ban on certain graduation ceremonies and the indiscriminate swapping of textbooks.

In a notice dated April 27, 2026, the government directed all private school proprietors, headteachers, and principals to comply immediately or face severe consequences, including license revocation.

Which Graduations Are Forbidden?

Under the existing policy, graduation ceremonies are completely prohibited for:

· Kindergarten

· Nursery

· Junior Secondary School (JSS 3)

Only two groups may hold graduation events:

· Primary 6 pupils

· Senior Secondary School (SSS 3) students

No Levies for “Send-Forth” Events

The Ministry also barred students in Primary 1–5, JSS 1–3, and SSS 1–2 from being forced to contribute money for any farewell or graduation celebrations organized for others.

While Primary 6 and SSS 3 graduates can make personal or family arrangements, schools are forbidden from organizing, supervising, or collecting funds for such events.

Textbook Changes Restricted Until 2030

The ban on arbitrary and frequent textbook changes remains active. Schools cannot force parents to buy new editions or entirely new titles every year solely for profit. Approved textbook lists must stay stable for at least four years.

A new list of state-approved textbooks will be introduced in August 2026 and remain valid until August 2030, the Ministry added.

Penalties for Violators

Any private school found breaking these rules could face:

· Immediate license withdrawal

· De-listing from the state’s approved schools register

· Declaration as an illegal, unapproved school

How to Report Offending Schools

The public is encouraged to report violations by WhatsApp text only (no phone calls) to:

· 07076593298

· 07074272304

Reports must include the school’s name, address, phone number of the school or proprietor, and details of the violation.

All school heads—both public and private—were ordered to comply fully. According to the notice signed by Prof. B. T. O Ikegwuoha, Hon. Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, the policies aim to reduce financial burdens on parents and refocus education on academic excellence.