The Edo State Government has unveiled sweeping reforms in the education sector, banning graduation parties for nursery and primary school pupils while introducing mandatory entrepreneurship training for junior secondary students.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Education, the new policies—effective from the 2025/2026 academic session—are aimed at strengthening stability, consistency, and quality learning across schools in the state.
Under the new guidelines, pre-basic and primary school pupils will no longer be allowed to hold graduation ceremonies or parties.
Graduation events will now be limited to students completing Basic Education (Primary 1–JSS 3) and Senior Secondary 3 (SSS 3). Even at those levels, only modest ceremonies will be permitted, while prom-style parties have been expressly banned.
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The government also introduced a textbook reuse policy, under which approved textbooks will remain valid for at least four years before review.
Younger siblings will be allowed to reuse the books purchased by their older siblings, a move the ministry said would reduce the financial burden on parents.
In a major shift, all JSS 3 students will now undergo compulsory entrepreneurship training before graduation.
From the next academic session, every JSS 3 graduate will be awarded two certificates—the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and a Skills Acquisition Certificate in a chosen trade subject.
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The ministry explained that the reforms are designed to ensure Edo students are not only academically sound but also equipped with practical skills to thrive in today’s competitive world.
“These measures will reposition our schools for better outcomes by reducing distractions, curbing wasteful spending, and embedding entrepreneurial capacity in our students,” the statement read.
Recall last week, the Imo State government, through the state Commissioner for Education, Professor Bernard Ikegwuoha, announced a ban on schools organizing graduation parties for nursery and junior secondary school students in the state.
