Ebonyi State Government announces sweeping education reforms, banning nursery and primary graduations, compulsory lessons, and unapproved schools

The Ebonyi State Government has rolled out sweeping education reforms, banning nursery and primary school graduation ceremonies, compulsory lessons, and writing inside textbooks.

Also read: WAEC Sets CBT Requirements for Schools Ahead of 2026

The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Donatus Ilang, disclosed the measures in a memo issued to public and private school principals, proprietors, faith-based institutions, parents, and guardians.

He stressed that graduation ceremonies are now reserved only for pupils completing basic education (JSS3) and students finishing senior secondary school (SS3).

Key directives announced

According to Ilang, the reforms are part of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs Agenda and aim to enhance quality in Ebonyi’s education system.

The directives include:

Ban on nursery and primary graduations: Pre-basic (kindergarten/nursery) and primary six pupils can no longer hold graduation ceremonies.

Approved schools only: Unqualified private and faith-based schools are shut, and parents must transfer pupils to government-approved schools.

FSLC enforcement: First School Leaving Certificate becomes mandatory for secondary admission.

Transfer policy: Students must present a transfer certificate before admission.

Ban on compulsory lessons: Extra lessons can only hold with parents’ and school managers’ consent.

Position grading abolished: Only 1st, 2nd, and 3rd will be ranked, while others will be graded pass or fail. Failed pupils must repeat the class.

Unified textbooks: Government-approved textbooks must be used for four years; writing inside them is banned to allow reuse by younger siblings.

Entrepreneurship & skill acquisition: New compulsory subject introduced. Students in JSS3 and SS3 must graduate with both academic and skill certificates.

Dr. Ilang warned that any school, parent, or manager flouting these policies would face strict sanctions.

Also read: Nigerian Schools Unveil Exciting New Curriculum Starting 2025

The reforms, he said, are designed to cut costs for families, promote inclusivity, and ensure a sustainable, skill-based education system across Ebonyi State.