The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has lauded the Imo State Government for its recent policy decision banning extravagant graduation parties for pupils in nursery, primary, and junior secondary schools. The Agency described the move as a timely intervention to curb social excesses and promote responsible value reorientation among Nigeria’s young learners.
In a statement issued by the Director-General of the Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the NOA chief expressed concern that the growing trend of lavish school parties creates unrealistic expectations of instant reward, fosters a culture of waste, and places undue financial pressure on parents.
According to him, many parents are often compelled to fund “wasteful and socially unproductive practices,” which in the long run, do not contribute positively to child development.
Issa-Onilu noted that exposing children at a tender age to excessive celebrations undermines the values of hard work, humility, resilience, and delayed gratification — virtues he described as essential for both personal development and national progress.
The NOA boss revealed that the Agency recently launched a campaign against sign-out excesses and extreme practices in schools, aimed at restoring modesty, discipline, and responsible celebrations among pupils and students.
He commended Imo State’s directive as being in perfect alignment with this national initiative, stressing that the Agency will continue to work closely with schools, parents, and state governments to strengthen Nigeria’s value system through education.
Speaking further, Issa-Onilu also praised the Imo State Government for stopping school proprietors from changing textbooks annually, describing the move as a bold step toward making education more affordable and accessible.
He explained that the yearly replacement of textbooks had imposed unnecessary financial hardship on families, many of whom already struggle to meet the rising costs of living.
The NOA Director-General highlighted that restricting graduation ceremonies to Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School students reflects the structure of Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system, ensuring uniformity with national standards.
By maintaining this structure, Issa-Onilu said, the policy provides a clear sense of academic progression while discouraging frivolous events that distract from the core mission of education.
Encouraging other states of the federation to emulate Imo, Issa-Onilu stressed that such measures would strengthen discipline in schools and foster a culture of perseverance, modesty, and hard work among learners.
He concluded by noting that policies prioritizing substance over show will contribute to raising a generation of Nigerians who understand the true meaning of success, responsibility, and nation-building.
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