Imo bans frequent textbook changes, restricts school graduations

The Imo State Government has banned the frequent changing of textbooks in both public and private schools as part of measures to ease the financial burden on parents and guardians.

 

The directive, issued through the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, also places restrictions on graduation ceremonies across various school levels.

 

Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Prof. B.T.O. Ikegwuoha, announced the policy in a statement, warning that strict sanctions, including licence revocation, await schools that fail to comply.

 

He said the move was aimed at addressing the rising cost of education amid current economic realities.

 

“Under the existing policy, graduation ceremonies are completely prohibited for Kindergarten, Nursery and Junior Secondary School 3.

 

“Only Primary 6 pupils and Senior Secondary School 3 students are allowed to hold graduation ceremonies, while no levies should be imposed for send-forth events,” the statement read.

 

The government also barred students in Primary 1–5, JSS 1–3, and SSS 1–2 from contributing money towards farewell or graduation celebrations organised for others.

 

It added that while Primary 6 and SSS 3 graduates may hold private celebrations, schools are not permitted to organise, supervise or collect funds for such events.

 

On textbooks, the commissioner said the ban on arbitrary and frequent changes would remain in force until 2030, stressing that schools must not compel parents to purchase new editions annually for profit.

 

“A new list of state-approved textbooks will be introduced in August 2026 and remain valid until August 2030,” Ikegwuoha said.

 

He added that approved textbooks must remain in use for at least four years, warning that any school found violating the directive risks immediate withdrawal of its operating licence and removal from the state’s approved schools register.