Trending 
The Ebonyi State Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has constituted an investigative panel to identify schools violating the state’s ban on graduation and valedictory ceremonies without official approval.
The move follows reports that some public and private schools have continued to organise end-of-session events despite repeated government warnings.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mary Otozi, on behalf of the Commissioner, Donatus Ilang, the ministry expressed concern over the continued disregard for its directive.
The government reiterated that no school is permitted to hold graduation, valedictory or similar ceremonies without prior approval, warning that offenders would face strict sanctions.
According to the ministry, penalties could include prosecution and the withdrawal of a school’s operational licence.
To strengthen enforcement, relevant security agencies have been directed to support the implementation of the directive.
The government also urged parents and guardians to report any school collecting money for unauthorised ceremonies or refusing to refund fees already paid.
Education stakeholders, including school proprietors and parents, were advised to comply fully with the directive to promote accountability and proper regulation in the education sector.
The ban was first introduced in September 2025, when the state government prohibited graduation ceremonies in nursery and primary schools, alongside compulsory extra lessons and the practice of writing notes or assignments directly in textbooks.
