Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has announced a ban on graduation ceremonies and Christmas parties in schools across the state, citing the need to reduce financial burdens on parents and guardians. The directive, aimed at making education more affordable and equitable, was given during a campaign rally organized by the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Awka North.

According to Governor Soludo, the move is part of his administration’s efforts to minimize unnecessary expenses imposed on parents through school-related activities. He expressed concern over the financial strain on families, particularly the poor, who are often forced to spend heavily on school events and materials. To address this, the government has set basic standards for schools, including the discontinuation of textbooks designed for students to write in, which often require parents to purchase new ones annually.

The governor also criticized the practice of organizing graduation ceremonies for pupils transitioning between classes, which can be costly for parents. He described such activities as exploitative and unnecessary, emphasizing that parents should not be required to pay for events like Christmas parties. Instead, he suggested that textbooks should be passed down to younger siblings once a child completes a class.

To ensure compliance with the new directives, the state government has warned that it will begin strict enforcement, with any school found violating the standards facing closure. Governor Soludo reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting quality, accessible, and affordable education for every child in the state. The ban on graduation ceremonies and Christmas parties is expected to take effect immediately, with the government working to ensure that schools adhere to the new guidelines.

The move is seen as a significant step towards reducing the financial burden on parents and making education more inclusive in Anambra State. With the governorship election scheduled for November 8, the announcement has sparked interest in the state’s education sector and the government’s efforts to address the needs of its citizens. As the state government begins to enforce the new directives, it remains to be seen how schools will adapt to the changes and what impact this will have on the education system in Anambra State.