The Ebonyi State Government has intensified the enforcement of its ban on graduation, valedictory and prize-giving ceremonies in public and private schools by deploying 106 surveillance and security personnel across the state’s 13 local government areas.
Briefing the monitoring team in Abakaliki, the Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Donatus Ilang, directed officers to enforce the directive without compromise, warning that any school found violating the policy would face strict sanctions.
The commissioner disclosed that investigations are already underway into more than 158 schools allegedly accused of breaching the government directive. He added that principals, headteachers and proprietors who collected graduation levies from parents would be compelled to refund the money and could face disciplinary action.
Professor Ilang also warned schools against attempting to circumvent the ban by organising graduation ceremonies in churches or other alternative venues, stressing that such institutions would be identified and sanctioned.
He urged the monitoring team to carry out their assignment diligently, assuring them of adequate logistical support, while emphasizing that only ministry-appointed officials and designated security personnel are authorised to enforce the policy.
The state government says the enforcement exercise is aimed at ensuring full compliance with its education policy and protecting parents from unnecessary financial burdens.
