One of the famous quotes attributed to a former American President, Ronald Reagan, states “the greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things“
The former American president may have had in mind the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma when he dropped the above statement.
Recent decisions by those in charge of the meducation sector of Imo State aptly fits into words expressed above, as Uzodimma seems to have gotten the people to do the greatest for the benefits of the people under his administration.
Irrespective of the regular criticisms that have challenged effort Uzodimma is making to fix Imo State and bequeath it with democracy dividends, the new rule banning graduation parties pupils in nursery, primary and junior secondary schools in the state is a magnificent development winning glorious appreciation from all quarters. The governor deserves an applause for approval enabling the Ministry undertake such sublime decision. Beyond Ronald Reagan’s view, good leadership is often proven by the ability to welcome meaningful ideas for a positive and productive environment.
Apparently disturbed by the alarming rate schools organized unnecessary ceremonies to mark end of a session, Education Commissioner in Imo announced a ban on graduation parties for pupils in nursery, primary and junior secondary schools.
Giving reasons for government action, Bernard Thompson Ikeagwuonu, the commissioner, noted that such ceremonies had “strayed from their original purpose and were now characterized by unnecessary showmanship, expensive uniforms and undue financial pressure on parents.
Apart from hitting hard on shylock proprietors who milk parents dry with charges for graduation ceremonies, it has helped to reduce unnecessary stress and expenses burden placed on caretakers of pupils and students of thqt category.
Details of the government new position entail that only pupils completing Primary 6 and Senior Secondary 2 will be allowed to hold graduation ceremonies, in line with the 6-3-3-4 education policy which recognizes the completion of those stages as major academic milestones.
Further to the notification, the Ministry directed schools to stop the annual compulsory change of textbooks, a practice it said had become exploitative and burdensome to families. Instead, schools were asked to adopt uniform textbooks that could serve for at least three academic sessions.
The commissioner in the circular dated 8th August 2025, about the textbook usage adds “to promote stability and consistency in education, proprietors of faith based, and private schools are required to adhere to the approved lists of textbooks. These textbooks are designed to adhere to be used for a period of four years allowing children (pupils and students) to use the textbooks of their siblings for four consecutive years”
The circular warned proprietors to desist from frequent change of textbooks every academic year, as the practice, according to the commissioner “can be financially burdensome for parents and undermine the quality of education. By adopting the approved textbooks and allowing them to be used for the specified period, schools can promote a more efficient and effective learning environment”
It has been noticed that most operators of private schools in the state use their establishments as money-making machines at the expense of parents. At the end of each session, parents were billed for execution of programs and activities for graduation to new classes. Similarly, their bid to generate more funds after collection of school fees, operators of private schools provide lists of textbooks each academic session which forces parents to spend money for the purchase.
This shining Imo example winning attention in the education sector as it has been adopted by some states of the federation being adopted like the Edo State Government which has made similar announcement, is a bold policy statement towards instilling discipline and responsible value orientation among the up coming young ones.
Frivolities associated with the practice of organizing lavish graduation ceremonies no doubt can be said to be a worthless venture that institutes culture of waste where unnecessary financial pressure is placed on parents at the end of each academic session.
Backing the position of the Imo State Government over banning of the graduation parties, the National Orientation Agency, (NOA), through the DG, Lanre Isa-Onilu, says “early exposure to such extravagant celebrations distorts the value of hard work, humility and delayed gratification which are critical for personal growth and national development”
The NOA while applauding the ban said that the action of the Imo State education ministry perfectly alongside with the objectives of their recently launched campaign against “sign-out excesses” in schools.
The directive on stoppage of yearly change of textbooks is another measure to ease financial burdens on parents and make education more affordable and accessible.
These policies which are products of intellectual curiosity, creative and innovative spirit and commitment to improving the lives of Nigerian parents, guardians, teachers and stakeholders speak volumes of the a new norm in the education sector.
Manifestation of good tidings from the Ministry can also be seen in some of the policies so far introduced by the government agency in charge of Primary and Secondary Education. The introduction of tests for would be principals in the secondary school system has added value to quality education in the state. The policy was designed to ascertain the tactical know-how and abilities of the prospective principlas in line with modern tunes necessary for academic development.
Few days ago, an academic calendar for schools in Imo,a far departure from the past flooded the internet showing the ministry appears to have woken from slumber for the challenges ahead. Before now, it was difficult to organize the Junior Secondary School, JSS examination in line with the 6-3-3-4 scheme, while First School Leaving Certificate was irregular. But the calendar scheduled for 2025/2026 is a signpost of good tidings.
Previously, the ministry had issued guidelines to private school operators to ensure harmonized academic programs and calendar. The new measure has seen sub standard private schools shuts while respect for national public holidays entrenched.
Before the Ministry receives thunderous ovation, there is need to look at the state of facilities in public schools. Most structures in primary and post primary schools in the state are decaying without appropriate government attention coming to rescue.
Mejuobi, a co-publisher of Trumpeta, writes on contemporary issues.
