By LUCY OSUIZIGBO-OKECHUKWU

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has banned graduation ceremonies and Christmas parties in schools across the state to reduce the financial burden on parents and guardians.

Soludo gave the directive during a campaign rally organised by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on Friday at Awka North, ahead of the Nov. 8, governorship election.

He said that the move was part of his administration?s effort to make education more affordable and equitable for all families.

The governor expressed concern over what he described as unnecessary expenses imposed on parents through school-related activities.

?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,? he said.

Soludo also frowned at the practice of organising ?graduation ceremonies? for pupils moving from one class to another, which often require parents to pay for gowns or uniforms.

He described such activities as unnecessary and exploitative.

?Even Christmas parties, parents should not be made to pay for such. These are too many expenses on poor parents,? the governor said.

Soludo warned that the state government would begin strict enforcement of the new directives, adding that any school found violating them would be sealed.

?These activities will end in Anambra schools because we will begin enforcement and any school that fails to comply or violates these standards will be closed.

?I will personally see to that. And when we seal your school, you can go to court. We will meet there,? he said.

The governor reaffirmed his administration?s commitment to promoting quality, accessible and affordable education for every child in the state. (NAN)

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