Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has approved an indefinite ban on graduation ceremonies in kindergarten, primary and secondary schools across the state as part of efforts to reduce the financial burden on parents.
The State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, announced the decision in a statement issued on Friday, explaining that the clarification became necessary following inquiries and concerns from members of the public regarding the government’s directive.
According to Mefor, the ban covers all graduation-related ceremonies in kindergarten, primary and secondary schools, regardless of the name used for the event.
He stated that the directive applies to ceremonies described as graduation, passing-out or crossover events in both public and private schools across Anambra State.
However, the commissioner clarified that students completing Senior Secondary School (SS3) are exempt from the ban.
“Graduation ceremonies for students exiting Senior Secondary School are optional and, where held, must not involve any levy or financial demand on students or their parents,” Mefor said.
The state government stressed that the policy is intended to protect parents from unnecessary financial obligations often associated with graduation ceremonies at lower levels of education.
Mefor also warned that any school found violating the directive would face appropriate sanctions, including the possibility of being shut down.
The government said it expects all public and private schools in the state to comply fully with the new policy.
