Imo State Government, through the Ministry of Education, Primary and Secondary, has banned frequent changing of textbooks both in private and public schools in the state.
It also banned graduation ceremonies for certain levels in both private and public schools.
The new policy, according to the Commissioner in charge of primary and secondary schools, Prof. BTO, Ikegwuoha, is to reduce financial burdens on parents and guardians who are saddled with the responsibility of training their wards in school amid economic hardship.
The Commissioner, in a press statement made available to journalists, stated that the ministry has issued a firm warning to private and public schools reaffirming its strict stand on the new policy.
He added that the State Government had directed all private school proprietors, head teachers, and principals to comply immediately or face severe consequences, which include license revocation.
Under the existing policy, graduation ceremonies are completely prohibited for, Kindergarten, Nursery, Junior Secondary School 3, JSS 3.
“Only Primary 6 pupils and Senior Secondary School 3 students are allowed to hold graduation ceremonies; also, no levies for send-forth events.
“The Ministry also barred students in Primary 1–5, JSS 1–3, and SSS 1–2 from being forced to contribute money for any farewell or graduation celebrations organized for others.
While Primary 6 and SSS 3 graduates can make personal or family arrangements, schools are forbidden from organizing, supervising, or collecting funds for such events,” the statement said.
Ikegwuoha also hinted that the ban on what he termed arbitrary and frequent changing of textbooks remained active till 2030, asserting that schools cannot force parents to buy new editions or entirely new titles every year solely for profit.
He maintained that henceforth, approved textbooks must stay stable for at least four years.
A new list of State-approved textbooks will be introduced in August 2026 and remain valid until August 2030.
“Any private school found breaking these rules could face immediate license withdrawal, de-listing from the State’s approved schools register,” he warned.
