NIGERIA | NATIONAL

The Anambra State Government has warned schools across the State against defying its ban on graduation ceremonies, threatening to shut down institutions that violate the directive.

The Government, however, has clarified that the ban does not apply to students completing Senior Secondary School, or SS3.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Friday, July 24, 2026, by the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Law Mefor, following public concerns over the scope of the directive.

According to the State Government, Governor Chukwuma Soludo ordered the suspension of graduation ceremonies as part of efforts to reduce the financial burden placed on parents by schools.

“The essence is to reduce the financial burden on parents,” Mefor said.

The Commissioner explained that the directive covers all kindergarten, primary and secondary schools in the State, including both public and private institutions.

It also prohibits all forms of graduation-related events, including “passing out,” “cross over” and other similar ceremonies organised by schools.

However, students completing SS3 are exempted from the ban.

Mefor stressed that graduation ceremonies for SS3 students remain optional and, where organised, must not involve any levies or financial demands on students or their parents.

“Graduation ceremonies for students exiting Senior Secondary School are optional and, where carried out, must be conducted without any form of levy or financial demand on students and parents,” he said.

The State Government warned that school proprietors and administrators who violate the directive would face severe sanctions.

“Any school management found in violation of this directive will face serious sanctions, which may include the closure of such school,” Mefor stated.

The clarification followed widespread reactions to the Government’s decision to suspend graduation ceremonies, with parents and school owners seeking clarification on the schools affected and whether any exemptions would be allowed.

Soludo had, in October 2025, banned graduation ceremonies and Christmas parties in schools across Anambra as part of efforts to reduce the financial pressure on parents and guardians.

The Governor said the policy was intended to make education more affordable and equitable while discouraging unnecessary expenses associated with school activities.

As part of the same policy, Soludo also directed schools to stop using textbooks designed for pupils to write in, saying the practice forced parents to purchase new books every academic year.

Addressing owners and administrators of government, private and mission schools in the State, the Governor said the Government was introducing measures to prevent poor families from being forced to spend excessively on their children’s education.

He said textbooks should be reusable and passed on to younger siblings once a child completed a class.