Concerns grow over alleged violations of Anambra’s ban on primary, junior secondary graduation ceremonies
By Sunny A. David, Awka
Concerns have emerged over the alleged continued violation of the Anambra State Government’s ban on graduation ceremonies for primary and junior secondary school pupils, despite repeated directives aimed at easing the financial burden on parents and guardians.
The state government introduced the policy in October 2025 after receiving complaints from parents about compulsory levies and the rising costs associated with graduation ceremonies in schools.
Authorities said the ban was intended to eliminate unnecessary expenses such as graduation gowns, special uniforms, decorations and other charges imposed on families for pupils simply progressing from one class to another.
Government officials clarified that the directive was not intended to abolish modest graduation activities for pupils completing recognized educational stages, such as Primary Six and Senior Secondary School Three, but rather to discourage extravagant celebrations and compulsory financial contributions.
To reinforce the policy, the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) issued another circular on July 10, 2026, signed by its Executive Chairman, Dr. Justina Anyadiegwu.
The circular reaffirmed the prohibition of graduation ceremonies for primary and junior secondary schools, graduation levies, Christmas parties and related activities across all schools in the state’s 21 local government areas.
The board also directed Education Secretaries and Local Government Education Authorities to ensure compliance, warning that defaulting schools could face administrative sanctions, including possible closure.
The government had also prohibited the use of exercise textbooks designed for pupils to write directly in, encouraging reusable textbooks to reduce educational expenses for families.
The policy followed similar measures earlier adopted by the Catholic Diocese of Awka in schools under its administration.
Despite these directives, reports indicate that some schools may still be organizing elaborate graduation ceremonies under different arrangements.
According to the concerns raised, some institutions allegedly continue to collect money from parents through alternative charges, provide special uniforms, prepare food for celebration events and invite guests to elaborate ceremonies.
Critics argue that such practices defeat the purpose of the government’s policy, which was introduced to reduce financial pressure on parents and discourage the commercialization of basic education.
They note that graduation ceremonies in the past were generally reserved for students completing secondary education and focused more on preparing them for the next phase of life, rather than elaborate celebrations involving expensive clothing, printed invitation cards and other costly activities.
Observers have also expressed concern that exposing young pupils to lavish ceremonies and the culture of monetary displays could send the wrong values at an early age.
Stakeholders are therefore calling on the Anambra State Government to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of the directive by identifying and sanctioning schools that violate the policy.
They also urged parents and guardians to report any school found imposing unauthorized graduation-related charges or organizing banned ceremonies.
They maintained that education should remain focused on learning and character development rather than becoming a source of unnecessary financial pressure for families.
