By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Abia State Government has reiterated its ban on the collection of graduation levies and fees in all classes except Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) in public and private schools across the state.
It further warned that it would sanction any public or private school found collecting graduation levies or fees from pupils and students in non-terminal classes in violation of the law.
This was disclosed in a statement released by Duru Marvellous, the Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abia State, on behalf of the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, dated Friday, July 10.
The ban follows widespread cases of schools imposing graduation levies on pupils and students across classes, which parents and guardians say is an added financial strain.
“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 organised for non-terminal classes that attracts compulsory payment is not approved and must cease forthwith.
“The Abia State Government therefore directs that no public or private school shall collect graduation fees from pupils or students in any class other than Primary 6 and SS3,” the statement read.
According to the statement, the Ministry of Education had received reports of public and private schools across the state taxing pupils and students with unauthorised graduation levies and warned that those involved should cease the practice immediately, warning of sanctions for violators.
“The Ministry has received reports that some public and private schools across the state are still imposing unauthorised graduation fees on pupils and students in non-terminal classes.
“The government has directed the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to immediately commence monitoring and enforcement of the 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,” the statement added.
The statement further urged stakeholders to take note and report any school violating the directive to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for prompt investigation and appropriate action.
It also advised parents, guardians, school proprietors, and other stakeholders to comply strictly with the directive.
