Nursery Schools To Bid Farewell To Graduation Ceremonies

Abia Government Bans Graduation Ceremonies in Nursery Schools

In a sweeping reform aimed at easing financial pressure on families and restoring focus to academic milestones, the Abia State Government has officially banned graduation ceremonies in nursery and lower primary schools.

The announcement was made following an Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti in Umuahia, where the new education policies were unveiled by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu.

Under the new directive, graduation ceremonies will now be restricted to terminal classes, specifically Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3), across both public and private institutions.

The government emphasized that elaborate celebrations for nursery and lower primary pupils were unnecessary and often placed undue financial burdens on parents. Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Goodluck Ubochi, explained that the decision followed consultations with education stakeholders and was designed to promote a more meaningful and cost-effective approach to schooling.

Beyond the ban on early graduation ceremonies, the government introduced several complementary reforms. One key change is the separation of textbooks from workbooks, allowing younger siblings to reuse textbooks while workbooks remain individualized. This move is expected to reduce educational expenses and encourage resource sharing within families.

The administration also addressed concerns about the neglect of basic education certificates, particularly the First School Leaving Certificate. Schools have now been instructed to charge no more than ₦2,000 for the issuance of Primary 6 certificates, and parents are urged to ensure they collect these vital documents. Furthermore, the government has made it mandatory for students enrolling in national examinations such as WAEC, NECO, or JAMB to present their basic education certificates.

In a bid to strengthen academic integrity and curb examination malpractice, the state has introduced a compulsory promotion examination for students moving from SS2 to SS3. No student will be allowed to advance without passing this state-organized exam, and switching schools between these grades has been prohibited. All schools, regardless of ownership, are required to participate in the promotion exam, reinforcing a unified standard across the education system.

These reforms reflect the Abia State Government’s commitment to reducing financial strain on families, enhancing accountability, and elevating the quality of education.

By eliminating non-essential ceremonies and focusing on substantive academic achievements, the state aims to foster a more disciplined and equitable learning environment for all students.