Anambra Govt Cracks Down on Schools Defying Graduation Party Ban, Orders Refunds or Faces Closure

By Staff Reporter

AWKA — The Anambra State Government has intensified its crackdown on schools violating its ban on graduation parties, sanctioning seven private schools and ordering them to refund all monies collected from parents within one month or risk being shut down.

The decisive action underscores the state’s determination to enforce discipline in the education sector while protecting parents from what officials describe as unnecessary and unauthorized financial burdens associated with end-of-session celebrations.

The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, announced the sanctions during a meeting with proprietors of the affected schools, warning that the government would not tolerate any violation of its education policies.

“Schools must refund all monies collected from parents for graduation parties within one month and submit verifiable evidence of the refunds to the Ministry of Education,” Ogugua directed.

He stressed that failure to comply with the directive within the stipulated period would attract severe penalties.

“Any school that fails to comply will face immediate sealing and closure. The government is committed to ensuring strict compliance with its education policies.”

The affected schools are:

• Kings School, Amawbia
• Paraiso Montessori School, Awka
• Bluepoint School, Awka
• Favour Dot Queen Academy, Awka
• Little Angel British School, Aguleri
• Handmaid Infant Jesus Nursery and Primary School, Awka
• Frobel Height Academy, Awka

According to the commissioner, the enforcement exercise is aimed at eliminating unauthorized levies imposed on parents under the guise of graduation celebrations and ensuring that schools adhere strictly to established education guidelines.

Ogugua also issued a fresh warning to both public and private schools across Anambra State, noting that monitoring teams would continue inspections across all education zones to identify and sanction defaulters.

“This policy is intended to promote discipline, uphold standards within the education system, and shield parents from avoidable financial pressures associated with graduation parties and similar activities,” he said.

He emphasized that any school found violating the directive in the future would be sanctioned in accordance with the law.

The Ministry of Education further appealed to school proprietors, administrators, parents, and other stakeholders to support the government’s efforts by ensuring full compliance with the directive.

The latest enforcement signals the state government’s resolve to stamp out practices it considers inconsistent with its education reforms while easing the financial burden on parents already grappling with rising education costs.