The Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) has restated its ban on public primary and junior secondary schools conducting graduation ceremonies, Christmas parties, or imposing graduation levies on pupils.
In a circular dated July 10, 2026, and signed by the board’s Executive Chairman, Dr. Justina Anyadiegwu, ASUBEB said the directive aligns with the Anambra State Government’s standing policy prohibiting such activities in basic education institutions.
The circular, obtained on Sunday, was addressed to Officers-in-Charge of Local Government Education Areas and Education Secretaries across the state’s 21 local government areas.
It read, “No primary or junior secondary school shall organise or permit any graduation ceremony, graduation levy, Christmas party, or any related activity inconsistent with the government’s directive.
“All school heads are directed to ensure strict compliance with this policy. All LGEA officials and Education Secretaries are to disseminate the reminder to all schools within their jurisdictions and to monitor compliance.”
The board warned that any violation of the directive would attract appropriate administrative sanctions. It also urged all stakeholders in the basic education sector to comply fully with the policy.
The renewed directive comes amid growing concerns among parents over rising school levies and elaborate graduation ceremonies organised for pupils in non-terminal classes.
Recall that Governor Chukwuma Soludo, in October 2025, banned graduation ceremonies and Christmas parties in schools across the state as part of efforts to reduce the financial burden on parents and guardians.
The governor said the policy was designed to make education more affordable and equitable for families while discouraging unnecessary expenses associated with school activities.
Expressing concern over what he described as avoidable financial pressure on parents, Soludo had also directed schools to discontinue the use of textbooks designed for pupils to write in.
“This is to owners and administrators of government, private, and mission schools in Anambra: we have set out some basic standards to ensure that the poor are not made to spend so much just because their children are in school.
“One of the measures includes discontinuing the use of textbooks designed for students to write in. This practice forces parents to buy new textbooks annually. Once a child finishes a class, he should be able to pass on his textbooks to his younger siblings,” the governor had said.
