The Ebonyi State Government has set up an investigative panel to identify schools violating its ban on hosting graduation and valedictory ceremonies without official approval.
The move follows reports that several school administrators had continued to organise these events despite repeated warnings.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs. Mary Otozi, on behalf of the Commissioner, Dr. Donatus Ilang, the ministry expressed serious concern over the growing disregard for its directive by both public and private school head teachers and principals.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has observed with serious concern that despite repeated directives issued by the ministry, some principals and head teachers of both public and private schools have continued to organise graduation, valedictory and other end-of-session ceremonies,” the statement read in part.
The ministry reiterated that no institution is permitted to conduct such ceremonies without prior official authorisation, warning that violators will face severe consequences.
”Consequently, the Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Dr. Donatus Ilang, wishes to state that appropriate sanctions will be imposed on any offending institution, including the prosecution of those responsible,” the statement noted.
Additional penalties may include the withdrawal of a school’s operational license.
To ensure strict compliance, the ministry disclosed that relevant security agencies had been briefed to assist with enforcement.
Furthermore, parents and guardians were urged to promptly report any school head who collects money for unauthorised end-of-session events or fails to refund fees already collected.
The government called on all education stakeholders, including proprietors and parents, to comply fully to ensure order, accountability, and proper regulation within the sector.
In September 2025, the Ebonyi State Government originally announced a ban on graduation ceremonies for nursery and primary schools.
That directive, also issued by Ilang, similarly prohibited compulsory extra lessons and the practice of writing notes or assignments directly inside textbooks, warning of strict sanctions for non-compliance.
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