Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has announced an indefinite ban on graduation ceremonies in kindergarten, primary and secondary schools across the state.
The directive was approved as part of efforts to reduce the financial burden placed on parents through graduation-related expenses and levies imposed by schools.
The development was confirmed by the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, who said the ban applies to all graduation, passing-out and crossover ceremonies in both public and private schools.
According to him, only students graduating from Senior Secondary School (SS3) are exempt from the directive. However, any graduation ceremony organised for them must not involve any 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,” he said.
The state government also warned that schools found violating the directive would face sanctions, including the possibility of being shut down.
The move is expected to bring relief to many parents who have repeatedly complained about the rising costs associated with school graduation ceremonies and other end-of-session activities.