Edo Government Bans Primary Graduation Parties, Introduces Entrepreneurship Training for Students

The Edo State Government has introduced a series of reforms in the education sector, including a ban on graduation parties for nursery and primary school pupils. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Education, the new measures will take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session and are designed to promote stability, consistency, and quality learning across schools in the state.

According to the directive, graduation ceremonies will now be limited to pupils completing Basic Education (Primary 1–JSS 3) and Senior Secondary 3 (SSS 3), with only modest celebrations allowed. Prom parties have been outlawed altogether, while pupils in pre-basic and primary classes will no longer be permitted to hold graduation ceremonies or parties.

The Ministry also announced a compulsory entrepreneurship training program for all JSS 3 students. Going forward, students at this level will be required to complete training in a trade subject before graduation and will graduate with two certificates: the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and a Skills Acquisition Certificate.

In addition, the government has introduced a textbook reuse policy under which approved textbooks must remain in use for at least four years, allowing younger siblings to reuse books purchased by their older siblings.

The Ministry emphasized that these reforms are part of broader efforts to ensure Edo students leave school not only academically sound but also equipped with practical entrepreneurial skills to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.