Education in Nigeria still faces plenty of challenges, from poverty to insecurity. Two recent government moves have sparked hot debates among parents and other relevant stakeholders. The Imo State government banned nursery and JSS3 graduation parties, while the federal government started a literacy programme with cash transfers to mothers. Both ideas caused reactions, but they show deeper issues in our school system.
In Imo, the government says only Primary six and SS3 pupils should graduate. The education commissioner called the nursery and JSS3 parties a waste and an extra load on parents. The National Orientation Agency hailed the move as “bold and timely,” because many families already struggle with money.
Surveys back this up. Two years ago, SBM Intelligence published a report that stressed that school parties were one of the hidden costs of Nigerian education. Since 63% of Nigerians live below the poverty line, such expensive celebrations only increase inequality. Parents who cannot pay for uniforms, costumes, or levies often feel shame, and their children suffer embarrassment too.
Still, banning the events completely may not be the best way. Research shows that celebrating children, even in small ways, builds their confidence and makes them eager to learn more. A more brilliant idea is to reduce costs and keep it simple. Schools can do classroom events, exhibitions, or talent shows. With Parent-Teacher Associations involved, culture and recognition will continue without stressing parents’ pockets.
On the federal side, the government just launched a literacy programme to reach 500,000 children and 1 million girls. Part of the plan is to give mothers cash support, with the hope that it will reduce Nigeria’s shocking out-of-school figure of over 20 million children.
This method is not new. Brazil and Bangladesh have used similar cash transfers to boost school attendance. In northern Nigeria, where girls drop out the most, supporting mothers directly can really help bring more children into class.
However, Nigeria’s history with cash programmes is not too sweet — many failed because of corruption and poor targeting. For this one to work, experts recommend three things: use transparent digital payments, let communities help in choosing the proper beneficiaries, and train teachers well so that literacy centres can truly prepare children for normal schooling.
At the end, both the graduation party ban and the literacy drive remind us that reforms must be practical, not just sweet headlines. Parties should not make families poor, and cash transfers should not end up in the wrong hands. So, while it is important to seek ways to celebrate children, schools must realise that true success comes when what we celebrate in Nigerian schools is not glamour or money, but real learning.
