The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has lauded the Imo State Government for its recent ban on graduation parties for pupils in nursery, primary, and Junior Secondary School (JSS3) classes. The agency described the policy as a timely intervention aimed at curbing excesses in schools, reducing financial burdens on parents, and instilling core values of discipline and modesty among young learners.
In a statement issued by its Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, NOA said the growing trend of lavish graduation parties among young pupils encourages unrealistic expectations, promotes a culture of extravagance, and imposes undue financial pressure on families. He described such practices as “wasteful and socially unproductive,” warning that they risk undermining essential values of hard work, humility, and delayed gratification.
Issa-Onilu emphasised that the agency remains committed to collaborating with state governments, school authorities, and parents to promote responsible upbringing and value reorientation. He noted that the decision by Imo State aligns with NOA’s ongoing campaign against extravagant “sign-out” practices, which the agency has identified as harmful to children’s moral and academic development.
On the government’s directive restricting annual changes of school textbooks, the NOA chief commended the move, noting that it would significantly ease the financial strain on parents and improve access to affordable education.
He further highlighted that limiting graduation ceremonies to Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School (SS3) students is consistent with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system, ensuring that milestones are celebrated only at nationally recognised transitional stages.
Issa-Onilu urged other states to adopt similar policies, stressing that they would contribute to building a more disciplined and value-driven educational culture across the country. “By prioritising academic achievement over ostentatious celebrations, we can raise a generation rooted in resilience, perseverance, and genuine hard work,” he stated.
The NOA concluded that Imo State’s policy would help create a healthier educational environment by reinforcing academic focus and discouraging extravagance during the formative years of schooling.
