The Ebonyi State Government has banned public and private schools across the state from organising graduation, valedictory or any similar ceremonies without obtaining prior written approval from the Ministry of Education.
The directive, announced in a public service statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Chief Mrs. Mary Ngozi Otozi, reaffirmed that all existing education policies governing schools in the state remain in force.
According to the statement, principals and head teachers of public and private schools in the 13 local government areas of the state have been directed to strictly comply with the policy requiring official approval before conducting any graduation-related event.
The Ministry also ordered schools that have already collected graduation, award or any other related levies from parents to immediately discontinue the practice and refund the money without delay.
The government said the directive was aimed at ensuring strict adherence to established education policies and protecting parents from unauthorised financial burdens imposed by schools.
It warned that any school found violating the directive would face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the state's education regulations.
"The Ebonyi State Ministry of Education wishes to inform all principals and head teachers of public and private schools across the thirteen local government areas of the state that existing education policies remain in force.
"Accordingly, no school shall organise any graduation, valedictory or other ceremony without obtaining prior written approval from the Ministry of Education.
"The Ministry further directs all schools that have collected graduation, award-giving or any other levies to immediately discontinue the practice and refund the affected parents without delay.
"Any school that fails to comply with this directive will face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the established education policies of the state," the statement read.
The statement was signed by Chief Mrs. Mary Ngozi Otozi, Permanent Secretary, for the Honourable Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education.
The directive takes immediate effect and applies to all public and private primary and secondary schools operating within Ebonyi State.
