Ebonyi Government Bans Nursery, Primary School Graduations, Orders Closure of Illegal Schools

The Ebonyi State Government has announced a ban on graduation ceremonies for pupils in pre-nursery, nursery, and primary schools, restricting the practice strictly to students completing JSS3 and SS3.

The directive was issued in a statement by the Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary), Dr. Donatus Ilang, who explained that the policy is part of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s ongoing education reforms.

Dr. Ilang also disclosed that schools across the state have been instructed to discontinue compulsory after-school lessons and adopt only government-approved textbooks. He warned that defaulters would face strict sanctions.

Furthermore, the commissioner announced the immediate closure of all unapproved private and faith-based schools, urging parents to withdraw their wards from such institutions and enroll them in government-accredited schools.

He revealed that the state has introduced a Skills and Entrepreneurship Policy, which makes skill acquisition mandatory for students. Under the new arrangement, JSS3 and SS3 graduates will receive entrepreneurship and skills certificates alongside their First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) or Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).

According to the commissioner, the reforms are designed to ensure that students graduate with practical knowledge in addition to their academic qualifications.