The Imo State Government has rolled out major reforms in the education sector, abolishing graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, and Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) students, while also banning the yearly change of textbooks in schools.
The new directives were 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 document, titled “Policy on Education for Public and Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Imo State”, was addressed to parents, guardians, and stakeholders across the state.
According to the memo, only pupils completing Primary 6 and students completing Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) will henceforth be allowed to hold graduation ceremonies, in line with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system.
“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,” Professor Ikegwuoha stated.
On the issue of textbooks, the Commissioner decried the exploitative practice of schools introducing new textbooks every academic year. He directed that textbooks must now have a minimum lifespan of four years, enabling siblings to reuse them and reducing the financial burden on families.
He further warned proprietors of faith-based and private schools against deviating from the approved list of textbooks, stressing that stability and consistency in curriculum materials would enhance learning outcomes.
“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 read.
The Commissioner explained that adopting approved textbooks for the stipulated period would ensure uniformity, cost-effectiveness, and a more efficient learning environment across schools in the state.
The new education policy takes effect immediately.
