Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has joined the ranks of states that have banned indiscriminate graduation ceremonies and other practices in nursery, primary and secondary schools.
It also announced a ban on writing assignments in textbooks to enable siblings reuse such textbooks and reduce school expenses for parents.
These were part of sweeping reforms announced by the State Commissioner for Education, Donatus Ilang, in a statement.
Mr. Ilang, in the statement dated 1st September 2025, said the decisions are in line with Governor Francis Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda and the state’s policy on educational reform.
The statement directed all schools in the state, both public and private, to adopt a unified set of government-approved textbooks.
Mr. Ilang said the policy is aimed at standardizing learning materials and ensuring uniformity across the education system.
He noted that as part of the reforms, all government-approved textbooks will be in use for at least four years before review.
“To enable reuse by younger siblings, students are prohibited from writing assignments or notes inside the books,” he said.
The Commissioner further announced the immediate closure of all unapproved and unqualified faith-based and private schools in the state.
“Parents are directed to transfer their children and wards to government-approved schools without delay,” he said.
Mr. Ilang also emphasized that the First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) has become a mandatory requirement for admission into secondary schools.
“Similarly, transfer students must present authentic transfer certificates from their former schools before they can be admitted,” he said.
On the grading system, the state government abolished the ranking of students by position beyond third place.
It said that only first, second and third positions will be recognized, while other students will be graded as either “pass” or “fail.”
According to the Commissioner, students who fail their promotion examinations must repeat the class as part of efforts to strengthen academic standards.
The government also banned graduation ceremonies for pre-basic, kindergarten, nursery and primary six pupils.
It stressed that such events would now be reserved exclusively for those who successfully complete Junior Secondary (JS3) and Senior Secondary (SS3).
In addition, Mr. Ilang announced that the state has introduced a compulsory Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition subject into the school curriculum.
He said that graduating students at the Basic Education and Senior Secondary levels will now be issued certificates in Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition alongside their academic results.
The Commissioner also announced an immediate ban on compulsory extra lessons in all schools across the state.
He, however, clarified that lessons may still be allowed where a formal agreement exists between parents, teachers or school managers.
“All principals and school administrators are directed to comply strictly with these directives.
“These reforms are designed to enhance the quality of education in Ebonyi State and equip our children with the knowledge and skills needed for the future,” Ilang said.
Other states that have announced implementation of similar policies include Imo, Anambra, Benue, Ondo, Edo and Kogi.
