Imo Government Bans Nursery, JSS3 Graduations,Issues New Guidelines

By Chinedu Echianu

The Imo State Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has rolled out a new policy abolishing graduation ceremonies for pupils in kindergarten, nursery, and Junior Secondary School (JSS3) across public and private schools in the state.

The directive, contained in a circular with reference number MOEPS/COMMR/2025/VOL.1/155 dated August 8, 2025, was addressed to parents, guardians, school proprietors, and other stakeholders in the state’s education system.

According to the Ministry, graduation ceremonies will now be limited strictly to Primary 6 pupils and Senior Secondary School (SSS3) students, in line with the 6-3-3-4 education system in Nigeria.

“This policy aims to ensure that students, parents, guardians, stakeholders, and schools focus on the academic achievements of students at the end of their primary and secondary education cycles,” the statement read.

The Ministry also issued fresh directives on the use of textbooks in both public and private schools. Proprietors of faith-based and private institutions are now required to strictly adhere to the approved lists of textbooks provided by the government.

The circular explained that the approved textbooks would be used for a minimum of four years, to allow siblings to share and reduce the financial burden on parents.

The Ministry emphasized that these measures are part of ongoing efforts to provide “quality and functional education” to all students in Imo State while promoting discipline, consistency, and cost-effectiveness in the school system.