By Isaiah Eka
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has applauded the Imo State Government for its recent decision to ban graduation parties for pupils in nursery, primary schools.p
The Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said this in a statement issued by Mr Bala Musa, Director, Communication and Media in Uyo on Monday.
Musa said the DG described the ban on junior secondary schools by the state government as timely step toward to curb excesses and promoting responsible value reorientation among young learners.
“The Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the trend fosters unrealistic expectations of instant reward, encourages a culture of extravagance, and places undue financial pressure on parents, who are often compelled to fund what he described as a wasteful and socially unproductive practice.
“Issa-Onilu emphasised that early exposure to such lavish celebrations distorts the values of hard work, humility, and delayed gratification, which are essential for personal growth and national development.
“The Agency is committed to working with state governments, schools, and parents to promote a culture prioritising discipline, modesty, and responsible upbringing among children,” he said.
He added that the agency recently unveiled a campaign against sign out extreme practices and the ban by the state aligns with the general-purpose of the campaign.
It is recalls that the Imo government also issued directive stopping school proprietors from changing textbooks annually.
He noted that the move would significantly reduce the financial burden on families caused by frequent textbook replacements, making education more affordable and accessible for all students.
