The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has commended the Imo State Government for banning extravagant graduation parties in nursery, primary, and junior secondary schools.
In a statement by its Director of Communication, Bala Musa, the agency said the decision would help curb wasteful practices and instil discipline in young learners. NOA’s Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, warned that such parties create unrealistic expectations of instant reward, encourage extravagance, and put unnecessary financial pressure on parents. In his views, when schools expose children early to lavish celebrations, it undermines important social values needed for their all-round development.
Onilu noted that NOA recently launched a nationwide campaign against extreme “sign-out” practices among students, adding that Imo’s policy aligns with this effort. He also praised the state’s move to stop schools from frequently changing textbooks, saying it would ease the financial burden on parents. He urged other states to adopt similar measures to promote a more disciplined, value-driven education system.
