RismadarVoice Reporters
July 26, 2026
The Anambra State Government has sanctioned seven private schools for violating its ban on graduation parties, directing them to refund all monies collected from parents within one month or face closure.
The directive was issued by the Commissioner for Education, Dr Ekene Ogugua, during a meeting with proprietors of the affected schools, as part of the government’s ongoing enforcement of education policies aimed at eliminating unauthorised levies in schools.
According to information published by the Anambra State Ministry of Education, the affected schools have been ordered to immediately reimburse parents for all fees collected in relation to graduation ceremonies and provide verifiable evidence of the refunds to the ministry within one month.
Dr Ogugua warned that any school that fails to comply with the directive would be sealed and shut down without further notice.
The schools sanctioned by the state government 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; and Frobel Height Academy, Awka.
According to the commissioner, the enforcement exercise is intended to halt the imposition of unauthorised charges on parents under the guise of graduation celebrations and ensure that both private and public schools comply with approved educational guidelines.
He noted that the government was particularly concerned about the growing financial burden placed on parents through compulsory payments for graduation parties and related activities, especially at a time when many households are grappling with rising educational expenses.
“The affected 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 said.
“Any school that fails to comply with this directive will face immediate sealing and closure.”
The commissioner also cautioned proprietors and administrators of schools across the state against violating the government’s directive, stressing that monitoring teams would continue routine inspections across Anambra’s education zones to identify and sanction defaulting institutions.
He explained that the policy forms part of the Soludo administration’s broader efforts to strengthen discipline, maintain standards in the education sector and protect parents from unnecessary financial obligations imposed by schools.
Ogugua appealed to school owners, administrators, parents and other stakeholders to support the government’s initiative by ensuring strict compliance with existing education regulations.
