The Ebonyi State Government has stepped up enforcement of its ban on graduation, valedictory, and prize-giving ceremonies in public and private schools by deploying more than 106 surveillance and security personnel across the state’s 13 Local Government Areas.
The Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Donatus Ilang, announced the measure while addressing members of the monitoring team during a briefing in Abakaliki, charging them to enforce the government’s directive without compromise.
He warned that schools found violating the policy would face strict sanctions, stressing that the state government remains committed to ensuring full compliance.
Using strong words to underscore the government’s position, Ilang declared, “A kite flying without pitching will be shot without missing. A child that denies the mother sleep will not sleep either,” warning that institutions defying the directive would be dealt with accordingly.
The commissioner disclosed that investigations are ongoing into more than 158 schools alleged to have breached the government’s directive by organising graduation-related ceremonies despite the ban.
According to him, principals, headteachers, and proprietors who collected graduation levies from parents in violation of the policy will be required to refund the money and may also face disciplinary action.
He urged the enforcement personnel to carry out their responsibilities professionally and assured them that the state government would provide the necessary logistics to support the operation.
Ilang also instructed the monitoring teams to maintain unity, remain vigilant, and use the ministry’s dedicated hotlines to provide real-time reports during the enforcement exercise.
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He clarified that only officers appointed by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and designated security personnel are authorised to enforce the directive.
The commissioner further warned school administrators against attempting to bypass the ban by holding graduation ceremonies in churches or other external venues. He stated that any school found using alternative locations to conduct prohibited events would be summoned and sanctioned in accordance with the government’s policy.
The renewed enforcement drive reflects the Ebonyi State Government’s determination to ensure strict compliance with its education directives and curb unauthorized graduation ceremonies across both public and private schools.
