The Imo State Government has unveiled far-reaching reforms in the education sector, scrapping graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, and Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) students, while also outlawing the yearly practice of changing textbooks by schools.
In a memo dated August 15, 2025, and signed by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Bernard Ikegwuoha (Reference No: MOEPS/COMMR/2025/VOL. 1/155), the government declared that the new measures are designed to restore sanity, reduce unnecessary financial burdens on parents, and strengthen the focus on academics.
The circular, titled “Policy on Education for Public and Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Imo State,” was directed to parents, guardians, and key stakeholders across the state.
According to the policy, graduation ceremonies and lavish parties will now be strictly reserved for pupils completing Primary Six and students completing Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) — in line with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system.
“This policy aims to ensure that schools, students, parents, and stakeholders redirect their energy toward academic achievement rather than social celebrations,” Professor Ikegwuoha stressed.
The memo further tackled what it described as the “exploitative practice” of schools introducing new textbooks each academic year, a trend the Commissioner noted has placed enormous strain on parents.
Henceforth, all approved textbooks must have a minimum four-year lifespan, allowing siblings and future students to reuse them, while ensuring uniformity and stability in curriculum delivery.
Professor Ikegwuoha also issued a stern warning to proprietors of faith-based and private schools against deviating from the official list of approved books. He emphasized that consistency in instructional materials would not only make education more affordable but also enhance learning outcomes.
> “Proprietors are warned to desist from the frequent change of textbooks every academic year. This exploitative practice is financially draining for parents and detrimental to the quality of education,” the memo cautioned.
He added that the government’s insistence on adopting standardized textbooks for a fixed period will promote cost-effectiveness, reduce pressure on families, and ensure all students have equal access to quality learning resources.
The new education policy takes immediate effect, signaling the government’s determination to eliminate exploitative practices in the sector and place emphasis squarely on academic excellence.
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