The Ministry of Education (Primary and Secondary) in Imo state has established guidelines for ” Graduation Ceremonies and Textbooks Usage” in public and private primary and secondary schools in the state.
A release issued from the office of the Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary), Prof. Benard Ikegwuoha, and made available to newsmen, said: “In line with the 6,334 Education System in Nigeria, the graduation ceremonies and parties are only permitted for primary 6 graduating pupils and Senior Secondary School (SSS 3) students.”
The release stated that: “Henceforth, graduation ceremonies and parties for kindergarten, nursery and Junior Secondary School 3 students are hereby abolished. This policy is aimed to ensure that students, parents, guardians and stakeholders and schools focus on the academic achievements of students at the end of their primary and secondary cycles.”
On the approved textbooks, the release said it was aimed at promoting stability and consistency in education. Proprietors of faith based and private schools are required to adhere to the approved lists of textbooks as the textbooks were designed to be used for a period of four years, thus allowing children to use textbooks of their siblings for four consecutive years.