NOA supports Imo ban on graduation parties for JSS3, nursery pupils

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has commended the Imo State Government for its recent decision to prohibit extravagant graduation parties for pupils in nursery, primary, and junior secondary schools throughout the state.

In a statement released on Monday by its Director of Communication and Media, Bala Musa, NOA described the policy as a timely measure aimed at curbing excesses and fostering responsible value reorientation among young learners.

According to the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, this trend promotes unrealistic expectations of immediate rewards, encourages a culture of extravagance, and imposes unnecessary financial strain on parents, who often feel compelled to fund what he called a wasteful and socially unproductive activity.

“Early exposure to such lavish celebrations distorts the values of hard work, humility, and delayed gratification, which are essential for personal growth and national development,” Issa-Onilu emphasised.

Mallam Lanre also reiterated the agency’s commitment to endorsing policies that support discipline and modesty among Nigerian youth. He disclosed that NOA had recently initiated a national campaign against excessive “sign-out” practices, which have become increasingly common among graduating students in recent years.

“The Agency is committed to working with state governments, schools, and parents to promote a culture that prioritises discipline, modesty, and responsible upbringing among children,” he added. “The ban by the Imo State Government aligns perfectly with the overall goals of this campaign.”

Commenting on the State Government’s directive instructing school proprietors to stop changing textbooks every year, he stated that this action would greatly reduce the financial burden on families caused by frequent textbook replacements, making education more affordable and accessible for all pupils.

Onilu pointed out that Imo State’s policy, which restricts graduation ceremonies to only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary students, is in line with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system, thus maintaining consistency with national education standards.

The Director General urged other states to implement similar policies, noting that these initiatives help build a more disciplined and value-oriented educational system based on hard work, perseverance, and resilience.

He stated that this policy helps create a healthier academic environment by placing greater emphasis on educational achievement rather than extravagant celebrations during the early years of schooling.