Imo Government Bans Nursery, JSS3 Graduation Ceremonies and Yearly Change of Textbooks

The Imo State Government has introduced new reforms in its education sector, abolishing graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, and Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) students, while also prohibiting schools from changing textbooks on a yearly basis.

The directive was contained in a memo dated August 15, 2025, signed by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Bernard Ikegwuoha, with reference number MOEPS/COMMR/2025/VOL.1/155. The policy, titled “Policy on Education for Public and Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Imo State”, was addressed to parents, guardians, school proprietors, and other stakeholders.

Graduation Ceremonies Restricted

Under the new policy, only pupils completing Primary 6 and students finishing Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) will be allowed to hold graduation ceremonies, in line with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system.

According to the Commissioner, the decision is designed to reduce unnecessary financial pressure on parents and to keep the focus on academic achievement at the end of each major education cycle.

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Standardization of Textbooks

The memo also tackled the frequent and costly practice of schools compelling parents to buy new textbooks every academic year.

Professor Ikegwuoha directed that textbooks must now remain in use for at least four years, making them reusable for younger siblings and ensuring cost-effectiveness for families.

He further warned proprietors of private and faith-based schools against introducing unapproved textbooks or deviating from the government-approved list. Stability in learning materials, he said, would enhance teaching, improve outcomes, and create uniformity across schools in the state.

“Proprietors are warned to desist from frequent change of textbooks every academic year, as this practice can be financially burdening for parents and undermine the quality of education,” the memo stated.

Effective Immediately

The new policy takes effect immediately across both public and private schools in Imo State.

By adopting these measures, the government aims to ease financial burdens on families while improving stability, consistency, and fairness in the education sector.