Anambra sanctions seven schools over graduation parties

The Anambra State government has imposed sanctions on seven private schools for organizing unauthorized graduation parties, directly violating a state ban on such events. The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, issued a directive requiring the affected institutions to refund all monies collected from parents for these parties within one month.

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Schools must refund all monies collected from parents for graduation parties within one month and submit verifiable evidence of the refunds to the Ministry of Education.

Failure to comply with the refund order will result in the immediate sealing and closure of the schools. The directive was communicated during a meeting with proprietors of the schools, emphasizing the government's intensified enforcement of its policy against unauthorized levies and celebrations. The schools identified include Kings School, Amawbia; Paraiso Montessori School, Awka; Bluepoint School, Awka; Favour Dot Queen Academy, Awka; Little Angel British School, Aguleri; Handmaid Infant Jesus Nursery and Primary School, Awka; and Frobel Height Academy, Awka.

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Any school that fails to comply with the directive will face immediate sealing and closure.

Commissioner Ogugua stated that the enforcement aims to halt the imposition of unauthorized fees disguised as graduation celebrations and ensure schools operate within approved educational policies. The government is particularly concerned about the financial pressure placed on parents, especially given the rising costs of education.

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The enforcement is aimed at stopping the imposition of unauthorised levies on parents under the guise of graduation celebrations, while ensuring that private and public schools operate in line with approved education policies.

Monitoring teams will continue inspections across educational zones to identify and penalize any further violations. The government views this policy as part of broader efforts to promote discipline, uphold standards, and shield parents from avoidable financial burdens within the education system. The sanctions signal the state's determination to enforce discipline and prevent schools from imposing unauthorized financial obligations.

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The Ministry of Education urges school proprietors, administrators, parents and other stakeholders to support the policy and ensure full compliance.