The Edo State Government has announced new reforms in its education sector that will take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session. One of the reforms includes the ban on nursery and primary school graduation parties. This is coming days after Imo State had made a similar announcement.
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In a memorandum issued by the Edo State Ministry of Education on Tuesday, the government directed schools across the state to strictly comply with new rules covering textbook use, graduation ceremonies, skills training, admissions, and the school calendar.
The memorandum highlighted the following:
1. Textbooks: Only ministry-approved textbooks are to be used, and they will remain in circulation for a minimum of four years. Younger siblings can reuse textbooks purchased by their older siblings. Workbooks must now be produced separately and not embedded within textbooks.
2. Graduation Ceremonies: Only pupils completing Basic Education (JSS 3) and Senior Secondary 3 (SSS 3) may hold modest graduation ceremonies. Nursery, kindergarten, and Primary 6 pupils are banned from organising graduation parties. Prom-style events are prohibited.
3. Mandatory Skills Certificate: All JSS 3 students must undergo entrepreneurship training and will graduate with two certificates – the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and a Skills Acquisition Certificate.
4. Admissions: Admission into JSS 1 and SS 1 will be strictly based on completion of primary and basic education, with evidence of passing the required assessments. Admission remains free in all public schools.
5. School Calendar: All schools must adopt a harmonised calendar issued by the Ministry from the 2025/2026 session. Running parallel calendars will attract sanctions.
6. Sale of Books: Public school heads must provide approved book lists. The sale of books by teachers or the coercion of parents to buy from specific vendors is strictly prohibited.
“These policies are about setting clear standards for learning in Edo State. We want our children to get the best education possible, while also being equipped with practical skills for the future. At the same time, we are making sure the burden on parents is reduced and the school environment is kept disciplined and focused,” the Commissioner said.
The ministry warned that schools, both public and private, that fail to comply with the new directives will face sanctions.
Meanwhile, some days back, the Ministry of Education in Imo State had announced a ban on graduation parties for pupils in nursery, primary and junior secondary schools.
Commissioner for Education, Prof. Johncliff Nwadike, had explained that such ceremonies had strayed from their original purpose and were now characterised by unnecessary showmanship, expensive uniforms, and undue financial pressure on parents.
According to the new directive, only pupils completing primary six and SS3 will be allowed to hold graduation ceremonies, in line with the 6-3-3-4 education policy, which recognises the completion of those stages as major academic milestones.
Featured image: Dansol Nursery 2 pupils’ graduation (2019/2020 set)
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