The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has thrown its weight behind the decision of the Imo State Government to ban extravagant graduation parties in nursery, primary and junior secondary schools.
Earlier the Imo State Government, through a directive issued by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, on August 15, 2025, announced the ban on graduation parties for nursery and Junior Secondary School (JSS 3) students.
The ban found traction with NOA as the Director General, Lanre Issa-Onilu via a statement the agency’s Director of Communication and Media, Bala Musa released spoke in favour of it.
Onilu said the measure would serve as a moral compass and restore discipline and right values, which have long been sacrificed on the altar of dissipation, extravagant culture and financial pressure on parents.
In respect to the state government’s directive to stop school proprietors from changing textbooks yearly, the NOA DG noted that the move will significantly reduce the financial burden on families caused by frequent textbook replacements, making education more affordable and accessible for all students.
He stressed that Imo State’s policy, allowing graduation ceremonies only for Primary Six and Senior Secondary students, aligns with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system, which ensures consistency with national education standards.
The DG also encouraged other states to adopt similar policies, noting that such measures would 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.
