Delta State government has abolished the celebration of valentine parties in public and private secondary schools.
In a circular issued on Wednesday, February 11, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, directed all Chief Inspectors of Education, CIEs, in the 25 local government areas, as well as heads of public and private schools to ensure strict compliance with the directive.
The circular stated that the Ministry of Secondary Education had observed the widespread practice of organising Valentine parties in schools by students and, in some cases, teachers.
According to the commissioner, the practice has not contributed positively to academic excellence in schools.
Ashibogwu noted that students should be encouraged to devote their time and energy to meaningful teaching and learning activities rather than events that could distract them from their academic responsibilities.
He stressed that school authorities must discourage acts capable of creating learning disruptions among students.
The commissioner emphasized that the Delta State government places high priority on strengthening and uplifting the standard of education and would not condone activities capable of undermining moral and academic standards in schools.
“School heads (public and private) are hereby informed that the celebration of valentine parties in schools by school authorities is prohibited in the state,” the circular reads in part.
The ministry urged CIEs to monitor compliance and ensure that the directive is strictly adhered to by all schools under their supervision.
