EBONYI STATE NEW EDUCATION POLICY – WHY OTHER STATES SHOULD ADOPT THE POLICY
Table of Contents
Before now, Imo State had previously taken similar steps in reforming its education sector by introducing strict regulation of unapproved schools, unified textbooks, banning graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, and JSS3 students, and compulsory entrepreneurship education in secondary schools.
In line with this, the Ebonyi State Government, under the leadership of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has also adopted this policy. Other states in Nigeria should consider taking similar steps to reform their education systems.
These policies were introduced to bridge the learning gap, promote equality among students, and reduce the burden on parents through unified textbooks and reusing them.
EBONYI STATE ADOPTION OF THE NEW EDUCATION POLICY
To all Principals and Head of Teachers of Public Schools,
To all Proprietors of Private Schools and Faith-Based Schools,
To all Parents and Guardians and General Public.
EBONYI STATE NEW EDUCATION POLICY
In line with Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs Agenda and the Ebonyi State Government’s policy on Educational Reform, the following directives are issued to enhance the quality of education in Ebonyi State:
- Adoption of Unified Textbooks: All Schools (Public and Private) shall use government-approved textbooks.
- Closure of Unapproved Schools: Unapproved/Unqualified Faith-Based and Private Schools are closed with immediate effect. Parents are directed to transfer their wards to government-approved schools.
- 3. Admission Requirements: First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) is a basic requirement for admission of students into Secondary School in the State; henceforth, it must be presented before admission.
- Implementation of Transfer Certificate Policy: Students seeking transfer must present a transfer certificate from their former school before admission.
- Fail and Repeat Policy: The State Government has banned grading based on position, recognizing only first, second and third position while others will be graded pass or fail. Therefore, students who fail promotion exams must repeat the class.
- Graduation Parties: Graduation ceremonies are exclusively reserved for Pupils and Students who have successfully completed basic education (JSS3) and Senior Secondary (S53). In view of the above, Pre-Basic (Kindergarten/Nursery) and Primary 6 are banned from holding graduation ceremonies forthwith.
- Textbooks Reuse Policy: All Ebonyi State government-approved unified textbooks will remain in use for 4 years before reviewing; therefore, writing text or assignments inside textbooks is strictly prohibited. This is to enable younger siblings to reuse them.
- Mandatory Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship: The Ebonyi State government has introduced the Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition Subject in the school system. Henceforth, Entrepreneurship and Skill acquisition are compulsory in all our Schools. Therefore, students of Basic Education and Senior Secondary SS3, must receive their Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Certificates upon Graduation.
- Prohibition of Compulsory Lessons: Ebonyi State government has banned Compulsory Lessons for Students and Pupils in all our schools across the State with immediate effect, except a former agreement is reached with Parents and Teachers or School Managers
All Principals and School Administrators are directed to comply strictly with these policies immediately.
Dr. Donatus Chukwuma Ilang
Commissioner for Education
(Primary and Secondary)
Ebonyi State.
September 1, 2025.
WHY SHOULD OTHER STATES IN NIGERIA ADOPT THIS POLICY
It Brings Uniformity And Quality Control: The adoption of government-approved textbooks ensures a consistent learning standard across all schools, both private and public.
Affordability For Parents: The policy introduced the reuse of textbooks, which reduces financial burdens on parents and ensures equal access to study materials
Skills For The Future: The policy introduces entrepreneurship education and skills acquisition, which will empower students to become self-reliant, innovative, and creators of opportunities in the economy
Discipline and Academic Excellence: The fail and repeat policy promotes discipline and academic excellence in students
Regulation of Schools: The closure of unapproved schools ensures that students attend good schools and receive quality education.
Equity and Fair Play: banning of unnecessary graduation parties reduces expenditure for parents and helps students focus more on academics
Conclusion
The new Ebonyi state education policy, aimed at reforming the education system, is a bold step towards improving standards, equipping students with the right skills for the future, and reducing costs for parents.
The fact that Imo state has already taken similar steps makes it clear that these policies are for the betterment of the education sector. Other states in Nigeria should consider taking similar steps to adopt policies that will reform and build a stronger and skill-driven education system in Nigeria.