The Anambra State Government has officially banned elaborate and extravagant graduation ceremonies in schools, labeling them as unnecessary. This decision was announced by the state’s Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, during the opening of a three-day conference organized for private school proprietors from the Awka, Aguata, and Nnewi zones. The commissioner explained that the primary motivation behind the ban is to protect parents from the financial burdens and exploitative practices that often accompany these ceremonies.

According to Professor Chuma-Udeh, many graduation events have become overly flamboyant and commercialized, placing undue pressure on parents who are expected to fund lavish celebrations. She emphasized that education should not encourage materialism or unhealthy competition among students, but rather focus on character building and academic excellence. She urged school owners to shift their attention from showy practices and instead concentrate on the fundamental purpose of education.

The conference, which brought together key stakeholders in private education, aimed to equip school managers with current strategies in teaching, administrative practices, and curriculum updates. This initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to align private schools with public school standards, in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision for a high-quality, equitable education system across the state.

Professor Chuma-Udeh also stressed the importance of continued professional development, encouraging school proprietors to prioritize the regular training and retraining of their teaching staff. She noted that such investments in human capital are critical to improving learning outcomes and maintaining educational standards.

Furthermore, the commissioner reaffirmed the Ministry of Education’s commitment to ensuring that all schools, public and private, adhere to legal and academic frameworks. These include the curriculum, taxonomy, and educational laws necessary to provide every child in Anambra with access to quality and balanced education.