National Orientation Agency (NOA) has applauded the Imo State government overits recent ban on extravagant graduation parties for pupils in nursery, primary and junior secondary schools.
The agency said the move was the needed intervention that aims to promote value reorientation and curb excesses among young learners.
In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, the NOA director-general, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the agency described the trend of elaborate school celebrations as “wasteful and socially unproductive.” It argued that it creates unrealistic expectations, fosters a culture of materialism, and places unnecessary financial pressure on parents.
“Early exposure to such lavish displays undermines the core values of hard work, humility, and delayed gratification — all of which are crucial for both personal development and national progress,” Issa-Onilu stated.
He highlighted NOA’s ongoing efforts to instill responsible social behaviour through value-based education, noting that the agency recently launched a national campaign against “sign-out” extremities and school celebration excesses.
The Imo State directive, he said, is in strong alignment with the goals of that campaign.
The NOA also commended the state’s policy to restrict graduation ceremonies to only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School students, describing it as consistent with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 educational framework.
This policy, according to the DG, supports a more disciplined and academically focused school environment.
In addition, the agency welcomed the state government’s move to halt proprietors’ annual change of school textbooks, calling it a positive step toward reducing the cost of education and easing the financial burden on parents.
“The focus must be on cultivating resilience, academic discipline, and responsible citizenship from an early age,” he added. “We encourage other states to adopt similar reforms that promote educational integrity and national values.”
The NOA reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with state governments, educational institutions, and parents to build a school culture of moderation, responsibility, and excellence.
