The Anambra State Government has directed schools across the state to stop compelling parents to purchase expensive graduation gowns, customized outfits, and other related materials as a condition for students’ participation in graduation ceremonies.
The directive was issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Ifeoma Agbaizu, who emphasized the need to reduce the financial burden placed on parents.
The government also prohibited schools from organizing graduation parties in hotels, event centres, or community fields, stating that such practices have transformed school ceremonies into costly social events.
According to the ministry, graduation ceremonies should remain simple, dignified, and be conducted within school premises in line with their educational purpose.
Parents were advised to disregard reports suggesting that graduation ceremonies have been banned entirely, as the directive only seeks to regulate how such events are organized.
The ministry further urged school administrators to comply with the policy and called on members of the public to report any violations for appropriate action.
