The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its ban on the collection of graduation fees from pupils and students in non-terminal classes, warning that any public or private school found violating the directive will face sanctions.
The government said only pupils in Primary Six and students in Senior Secondary School Three (SS3), being the terminal classes in the basic and senior secondary education system, are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies that may attract approved fees.
In a press statement issued on Friday, July 10, 2026, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Duru Marvellous, speaking on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner, said the government had received reports that some schools were still imposing unauthorized graduation levies on pupils and students in classes not recognized for graduation.
“The Abia State Government, through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, wishes to remind the general public that graduation ceremonies are recognized only for Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3), being the terminal classes in the Basic and Senior Secondary Education cycles. Accordingly, any graduation ceremony organized for non-terminal classes that attracts compulsory payment is not approved and must cease forthwith,” the statement read.
The ministry directed all public and private schools across the state to immediately stop collecting graduation levies or fees from pupils and students outside the approved terminal classes.
“The Abia State Government therefore directs that no public or private school shall collect graduation levy or graduation fee from pupils or students in any class other than Primary 6 and SS3,” Duru stated.
According to the ministry, reports indicate that some schools have continued to flout the government’s directive by compelling parents to pay graduation fees for pupils and students in non-terminal classes.
“The Ministry has received reports that some public and private schools across the State are still imposing unauthorized graduation fees on pupils and students in non-terminal classes,” the statement added.
To enforce compliance, the government said it had directed the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to begin immediate monitoring of schools across the state, warning that defaulters would be punished in accordance with the law.
“The Government has directed the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to immediately commence monitoring and enforcement of this directive across all schools in the State. Any public or private school found to be in violation will be sanctioned in accordance with the law,” Duru said.
The ministry urged parents, guardians, school proprietors and other stakeholders to comply strictly with the directive and report any violations for prompt investigation.
“Parents, guardians, school proprietors, and other stakeholders are therefore advised to comply strictly with this directive.
“Cases of non-compliance should be reported to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education through 08142978338 for prompt investigation and appropriate action,” the statement concluded.
