Edo State Introduces New Education Policy, Outlaws Graduation Ceremony For Lower Classes

• Policy allows younger siblings to use approved textbooks previously purchased by their older siblings
• Education Stakeholders urge other states to emulate Imo and Benue States

 

Edo State Government has introduced a new policy on education which stated that henceforth only textbooks recommended and approved by the Ministry of Education would be permitted in all schools across the State.

The new policy is for basic and secondary schools in line with the national and state policies on Education, as well as the Edo State Education Law and other relevant statutory frameworks.

Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu, in a statement stated that all schools, public, private, and faith-based in Edo State are required to strictly comply with the policy.

The commissioner also stated that the policy allows younger siblings to use approved textbooks previously purchased by their older siblings.

According to the Commissioner, only textbooks recommended and approved by the Ministry would be permitted in all schools across the State.

He cautioned authors and publishers that no textbooks should contain workspaces within its content, saying, ‘any textbook that includes workspaces will be derecognized by the Ministry.

Dr. Iyamu also said that only students who have completed the Basic 1-9 and Senior Secondary 3 were permitted to hold graduation celebrations.

“All Pre-Basic pupils were not allowed to embark on graduation ceremonies and parties across the State.

“This policy is aimed at ensuring that pupils, students, parents, guardians, stakeholders, and school managers remain focused on achieving quality learning outcomes at the conclusion of each educational level.

While pegging the minimum age of a pupil to write an MBA (primary 6) remains 10 yrs, Iyamu also announced a mandatory four-week intensive entrepreneurship skills training programme for all JSS 3 students.

“This is in line with the transformation drive of our education-loving Governor Monday Okpebholo, in ensuring that every Edo child graduates with not just an academic certificate but also a hands-on skill. A certificate of training will be issued along with the BECE certificate,” he declared.

In a related development, Benue State Government has banned all forms of graduation ceremonies conducted for Kindergarten, Nursery and Basic school pupils in the state.

The government also abolished the use of customised books in schools which made it impossible for such books to be transferred to other students for use.

The directive is contained in a statement dated August 15, 2025, which was issued and signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Benue State Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, Mrs. Helen Zeramo.

The Imo State Government has also announced an immediate ban on graduation parties for kindergarten, nursery and Junior Secondary School pupils, saying the measure will reduce financial burdens on parents and redirect attention to the academic development of children.

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, disclosed this in a memo addressed to parents, guardians and stakeholders in the state’s education sector.

He also directed school proprietors to stop the annual change of textbooks, which he described as financially draining and destabilising for families.

According to him, the decision forms part of a new policy designed to promote a more focused and efficient education system that benefits students, parents and the wider society.

The memo, dated August 15, 2025, with reference number MOEPS/COMMR/2025/VOL.1/155 and titled “Policy on Education for Public and Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Imo State,” stated that the policy takes effect immediately.