The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has thrown its weight behind the Imo State Government’s new education reforms, especially the ban on graduation ceremonies for children in nursery, kindergarten, and Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3).
According to NOA, the policy is a bold step to stop what it called “wasteful and socially unproductive practices” in Nigeria’s school system.
In a statement released on Monday, the agency’s Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, praised Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration for setting new standards that focus on value reorientation, discipline, and responsible upbringing instead of “flamboyant displays” among children.
Issa-Onilu explained that elaborate graduation parties often create unrealistic expectations in young learners, making them believe that every little achievement deserves instant reward. He added that such practices also put parents under unnecessary financial pressure, as they are forced to spend huge sums on parties instead of their children’s real education needs.
“Exposing children too early to lavish celebrations distorts the values of hard work, humility, and delayed gratification—qualities needed for personal growth and national development,” he said.
The NOA boss further revealed that the agency had already launched a campaign against extravagant “sign-out” practices and excessive school celebrations. He noted that Imo’s decision supports that campaign.
The Imo State Government had earlier, through a memo dated August 15, 2025, signed by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Bernard Ikegwuoha, directed that graduation ceremonies will now only be allowed for pupils completing Primary 6 and Senior Secondary 3 (SS3)—the actual completion points in Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system.
The memo, with reference number MOEPS/COMMR/2025/VOL. 1/155, also warned schools against changing textbooks every year, a practice it described as exploitative. Going forward, textbooks must have a minimum lifespan of four years, making it possible for siblings to reuse them and reducing financial stress on families.
Professor Ikegwuoha said the new rules are meant to ensure that parents, teachers, and students focus on meaningful academic milestones instead of unnecessary expenses. He stressed that the constant textbook changes by some private and faith-based schools “drain parents financially” and disrupt uniform teaching.
The Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu has also supported the move, saying it will help reduce the financial burden on households while promoting discipline and seriousness in schools.
The NOA boss finally encouraged other state governments across Nigeria to adopt similar policies, adding that such measures will build a value-driven education system rooted in hard work, perseverance, and resilience rather than extravagance.
