Anambra Govt Reaffirms Stance on Graduation Parties, Warns Against Lavish Graduation Ceremonies
By Obiageli Nwankwo
The Anambra State Government has restated its policy on graduation ceremonies in schools, clarifying that while graduation events remain permitted, extravagant celebrations and compulsory financial levies on parents are prohibited.
The clarification follows public concerns and reports of confusion over the government’s directive prohibiting lavish graduation parties in both primary and secondary schools across the state.
Speaking on the issue on May 29, the Permanent Secretary of the Anambra State Ministry of Education, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu said the policy was introduced to reduce unnecessary financial pressure on parents and restore simplicity to school ceremonies.
She explained that the government was not abolishing graduation celebrations, but was regulating their conduct to ensure affordability and fairness.
“The attention of the Ministry has been drawn to various misinterpretations of the policy on graduation ceremonies. For the avoidance of doubt, graduation ceremonies are not banned in Anambra State. What government has done is to stop the culture of extravagant parties, compulsory fees for non-graduating students, and the commercialization of school celebrations," Permanent Secretary said.
She further clarified that graduation party fees should only apply to bona fide graduands in Primary Six and Senior Secondary School 3 levels, adding that no pupil or student outside these classes should be made to pay any form of graduation levy.
According to her, schools are also prohibited from compelling parents to purchase expensive graduation gowns, customized outfits, or related materials as a condition for participation in ceremonies.
The Permanent Secretary also warned against organizing graduation parties in hotels, event centres, or community fields, stressing that such practices place undue burden on families and distort the purpose of school ceremonies.
“Graduation ceremonies are expected to be simple, dignified, and conducted within school premises. Schools must desist from turning them into social events that impose financial strain on parents,” she added.
The ministry urged school authorities to comply strictly with the directive and advised parents to disregard misleading information suggesting a total ban on graduation ceremonies.
It also called on stakeholders to report any school that violates the policy to the ministry for appropriate action.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to promoting an affordable and disciplined education system in the state.
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