The Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) has restated its directive prohibiting public primary and junior secondary schools across the state from organising graduation ceremonies, Christmas parties, or collecting graduation-related levies from pupils.
The renewed directive was conveyed in a circular dated July 10, 2026, and signed by the Executive Chairman of ASUBEB, Dr. Justina Anyadiegwu. The board said the reminder aligns with the Anambra State Government’s standing policy aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents and ensuring uniform standards across basic education schools.
The circular was addressed to Officers-in-Charge of Local Government Education Areas (LGEAs) and Education Secretaries in all 21 local government areas of the state for immediate implementation.
According to the directive, no public primary or junior secondary school is permitted to organise or approve graduation ceremonies, collect graduation levies, hold Christmas parties, or engage in any related activity that contradicts the government’s policy.
ASUBEB instructed all school heads to ensure full compliance, while directing Education Secretaries and LGEA officials to circulate the directive to schools under their supervision and closely monitor adherence.
The board warned that any school or official found violating the directive would face appropriate administrative sanctions.
It further called on education stakeholders, including school administrators, teachers, parents, and local education authorities, to support the government’s efforts by complying fully with the policy.
The renewed enforcement comes amid increasing concerns from parents over rising school charges and the growing trend of elaborate graduation ceremonies for pupils in non-terminal classes, which many families consider an unnecessary financial burden.
The policy was first introduced by Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, in October 2025 as part of broader education reforms designed to make basic education more affordable and accessible to all families.
At the time, the governor explained that the government was committed to eliminating avoidable expenses imposed on parents through school activities and ceremonies.
As part of the reforms, the governor also directed schools to discontinue the use of workbooks and textbooks designed for pupils to write in, noting that such materials compel parents to purchase new copies every academic session.
He maintained that textbooks should be reusable so that children can pass them on to younger siblings, thereby reducing the overall cost of education for families across the state.
The Anambra State Government has consistently maintained that the measures are intended to promote equitable access to education, discourage unnecessary school-related expenses, and protect parents from avoidable financial pressure.
ASUBEB Reaffirms Ban on Graduation Ceremonies, Christmas Parties, Levies in Anambra Basic Schools
