…Bans Graduation Parties
BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
THE Delta State Government has issued a stern warning to all private schools in the state to desist from the sale and use of unapproved textbooks, as well as the organisation of elaborate graduation parties for pupils in pre-primary, primary and secondary schools.
This was disclosed in an interview with our correspondent by the Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, who said the ministry has provided a standard list of approved textbooks for use across schools in the state.
She explained that the directive was aimed at ensuring quality education, maintaining uniformity in academic standards and easing the financial burden on parents.
Ezewu warned that government would sanction any private school found compelling parents to buy unapproved books or charging graduation levies. She described the practice of organising expensive graduation ceremonies as exploitative, adding that it has pushed many parents into debt while also encouraging negative social trends.
“It has now become a norm in private schools to demand exorbitant amounts from parents to celebrate graduation parties. This practice is unacceptable to the Delta State Government and henceforth stands banned,” she stated. The commissioner further directed that schools must stick to the single approved uniform presented at the time of registration. She lamented that some schools impose multiple uniforms on parents, a practice she described as unfair and insensitive to the current economic realities.
“Private school owners should desist from selling different uniforms to parents to avoid sanctions,” Ezewu cautioned. She reiterated the government’s commitment to working with stakeholders to strengthen education, reduce the number of out-of-school children, and ensure compliance with regulations.
She also urged parents to report any school that flouts the directive, assuring them of government’s resolve to make education affordable and accessible to all children in Delta State.
