The Anambra State Government has announced an indefinite ban on graduation ceremonies in kindergarten, primary and secondary schools across the state, saying the decision is aimed at reducing the financial burden imposed on parents and guardians by increasingly expensive end-of-session celebrations.

The directive, approved by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, applies to both public and private schools and covers all events described as graduation, passing-out or crossover ceremonies.

The State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, said the clarification became necessary following widespread public enquiries and misconceptions surrounding the government’s education policy.

According to him, the administration remains committed to making education more affordable by eliminating unnecessary school-related expenses that place additional pressure on families already struggling with rising living costs.

“The ban applies to all graduation-related ceremonies in kindergarten, primary and secondary schools, whether described as graduation, passing-out or crossover events, in both public and private schools,” Mefor stated.

The government, however, clarified that students completing Senior Secondary School (SS3) are exempt from the directive because they are graduating from the secondary education cycle.

Even for SS3 students, graduation ceremonies will remain optional and schools are prohibited from imposing any graduation levy or financial demand on students or their parents.

“Graduation ceremonies for students exiting Senior Secondary School are optional and, where held, must not involve any levy or financial demand on students or their parents,” the commissioner added.

The government warned that any school found violating the directive risks severe sanctions, including possible closure.

The latest directive builds on an earlier policy by the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), which prohibited public primary and junior secondary schools from organising graduation ceremonies, Christmas parties and collecting graduation levies. Authorities said the renewed enforcement is intended to restore moderation to school activities and shield parents from avoidable expenses.

Officials explained that over the years many schools had transformed simple end-of-session activities into elaborate social events requiring parents to pay for customised uniforms, decorations, entertainment, souvenirs, food and other items, significantly increasing the cost of education.

The Soludo administration said the policy forms part of broader education reforms designed to make schooling more accessible, discourage the commercialisation of education and ensure that parents are not compelled to pay unnecessary charges beyond approved school fees.