The agency described the move as a bold attempt to tackle “wasteful and socially unproductive practices” in the country’s education system.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has supported the Imo State Government over its sweeping education reforms, particularly the ban on graduation ceremonies for pupils in nursery, kindergarten, and Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3).
The agency described the move as a bold attempt to tackle “wasteful and socially unproductive practices” in the country’s education system.
The agency’s Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a statement issued on Monday, commended Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration for “setting a standard that prioritises value reorientation, discipline, and responsible upbringing” over what he described as an unhealthy culture of flamboyance among children.
According to Issa-Onilu, the “trend of elaborate graduation parties has been fueling unrealistic expectations of instant reward” among young learners while also placing undue financial pressure on parents who are compelled to sponsor extravagance at the expense of real education.
“Early exposure to lavish celebrations distorts the values of hard work, humility, and delayed gratification which are essential for personal growth and national development,” he said.
The NOA boss stressed that the agency recently launched a campaign against extreme “sign-out” practices and flamboyant celebrations in schools.
He added that Imo’s new directive was in line with the objectives of that campaign.
The Imo State Government, in a memo dated August 15, 2025, signed by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Bernard Ikegwuoha, had ordered that graduation ceremonies will henceforth only be permitted for pupils completing Primary 6 and Senior Secondary 3 (SS3), in strict alignment with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system.
The memo, with reference number MOEPS/COMMR/2025/VOL. 1/155, further warned school proprietors to desist from the exploitative practice of changing textbooks every academic year.
It directed that textbooks must now have a minimum four-year lifespan, allowing siblings to reuse them and reducing the burden on struggling families.
Professor Ikegwuoha, in the directive, emphasised that the “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.”
He added that indiscriminate textbook changes by private and faith-based schools not only “drain parents financially” but also undermine uniformity in teaching and learning.
Backing this policy, the Bola Tinubu administration maintained that the move will significantly reduce the financial strain on households while also reinforcing discipline and academic focus in the school system.
He further urged other state governments across Nigeria to adopt similar policies, insisting that the measure fosters a more balanced educational environment:
The statement reads: “The DG also encouraged other states to adopt similar policies, noting that such measures foster a more disciplined and value-driven education system, rooted in hard work, resilience, and perseverance.
“He explained that the policy contributes to a healthier educational environment by emphasising academic focus over extravagant celebrations during the early stages of schooling.”
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