The Abia State Government has reiterated its ban on the collection of graduation fees and levies for pupils and students in non-terminal classes across public and private schools in the state.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the government clarified that graduation ceremonies are officially approved only for pupils in Primary Six and students in Senior Secondary School Three (SS3), as they are the terminal classes in the state’s education system.
The government warned that any graduation ceremony organised for non-terminal classes requiring compulsory payments from parents or guardians is illegal and must be discontinued immediately.
According to the ministry, reports indicate that some schools have continued to collect unauthorized graduation fees despite previous directives prohibiting the practice.
To enforce compliance, the government has directed the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to commence immediate monitoring and inspection of both public and private schools across the state.
It warned that any school found violating the directive would face appropriate sanctions in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
The Abia State Government also urged parents, guardians, school proprietors, and other stakeholders to support the policy, describing it as a measure aimed at protecting families from unnecessary financial burdens and maintaining standards in the education sector.
Members of the public were encouraged to report any school demanding unauthorized graduation fees for non-terminal classes to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education through its dedicated complaint line for prompt investigation and necessary action.
