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

In a statement issued on Monday by its Director of Communication and Media, Bala Musa, NOA described the policy as a timely step toward curbing excesses and promoting responsible value reorientation among young learners.

According to the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the trend 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 described as a wasteful and socially unproductive practice.

“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 stressed.

Mallam Lanre also reaffirmed that the agency is committed to supporting policies that promote discipline and modesty among Nigerian youth. He revealed that NOA had recently launched a national campaign against extreme “sign-out” practices, which have become 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.”

Speaking on the State Government’s directive to stop school proprietors from changing textbooks annually, he stated that the move will significantly reduce the financial burden on families caused by frequent textbook replacements, making education more affordable and accessible for all students.

Onilu emphasised that Imo State’s policy allowing graduation ceremonies only for Primary 6 and Senior Secondary students aligns with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system, which ensures consistency with national education standards.

The DG urged other states to adopt similar policies, noting that such measures foster a more disciplined and value-driven education system, rooted in hard work, resilience, and perseverance.

He stated that the policy contributes to a healthier educational environment by emphasising academic focus over extravagant celebrations during the early stages of schooling. (The Guardian)