The Ebonyi State Government has announced a ban on graduation ceremonies for pre-nursery, nursery, and primary school pupils as part of ongoing educational reforms.
The directive was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary), Donatus Ilang, and released to journalists on Thursday.
According to the statement, graduation ceremonies will henceforth be reserved strictly for students completing Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) and Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3).
“Graduation ceremonies are exclusively reserved for pupils and students who have successfully completed basic education (JSS3) and Senior Secondary (SS3). In view of the above, pre-basic (kindergarten/nursery) and Primary 6 are banned from holding graduation ceremonies forthwith,” the statement partly read.
The reforms also prohibit schools from imposing compulsory after-school lessons on students and mandate the exclusive use of government-approved textbooks. Ilang warned that any school violating these directives would face sanctions.
In addition, the state announced plans to close unapproved and unqualified private or faith-based schools, urging parents to withdraw their children from such institutions and enroll them only in government-accredited schools.
The statement further disclosed that Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition have been introduced as compulsory subjects. Henceforth, JSS3 and SS3 students will be required to graduate with certificates in these areas, alongside their First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) or Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
“The introduction of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition is to ensure our students not only pass through school but also acquire practical knowledge. Henceforth, students must receive their Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Certificates upon graduation,” the government said.
The state government emphasized that the reforms are designed to instill discipline, standardize learning, and better prepare students for higher education and the job market.
