The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has hailed the Imo State Government for banning extravagant graduation parties for pupils in nursery, primary, and junior secondary schools, described the move as a bold step toward curbing excesses and instilling discipline among young learners.
Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a statement on Monday, said the trend of lavish school celebrations fosters unrealistic expectations of instant reward, encourages a culture of extravagance, and places undue financial pressure on parents who are often compelled to fund what he called a wasteful and socially unproductive practice.
He stressed that exposing children to such excesses at an early stage distorted core values such as hard work, humility, and delayed gratification, which are vital for personal growth and national development.
Issa-Onilu also noted that the Agency remained committed to working with state governments, schools, and parents to promote discipline, modesty, and responsible upbringing among children. He explained that the recent NOA campaign against extreme “sign out” practices in schools aligned with the Imo State Government’s decision.
On the directive stopping schools from changing textbooks annually, the NOA boss said the policy would ease the financial burden on parents, make education more affordable, and ensure wider access for learners.
He further applauded Imo State’s insistence that graduation ceremonies should only be held for Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School students, stressing that the policy reflects Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system and ensures compliance with national standards.
Issa-Onilu urged other states to adopt similar measures, adding that such policies will promote a disciplined, value-driven education system rooted in hard work, resilience, and perseverance.
