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The Ebonyi State Government has introduced nine new education policies aimed at strengthening quality and sustainability in the sector.
Donatus Ilang, commissioner for Education, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abakaliki. He commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for prioritising education, describing him as “the most friendly governor in terms of educational policies.”
According to Ilang, the policies were developed after wide consultations with key stakeholders, including principals, head teachers, education secretaries, zonal inspectors, the State Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Secondary Education Board (SEB), and private school operators.
He explained that the policies cover critical areas such as unified textbooks, the “use and reuse” system for textbooks, stricter admission criteria, closure of unapproved schools, mandatory transfer certificates, a “fail and repeat” system, and a ban on compulsory lessons.
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Others include the restriction of graduation ceremonies to JSS3 and SS3 levels only, as well as the introduction of entrepreneurship and skills acquisition programs into the school curriculum.
On unified textbooks, the commissioner said all schools, public, private, and faith-based, must adopt government-approved textbooks. “This will reduce the burden on parents and ensure uniformity in learning,” he noted.
Ilang stressed that unapproved schools operating in makeshift structures, such as church halls and rented rooms, would be shut down permanently. He warned parents to enrol their wards only in accredited schools.
He also announced that the ministry has digitised the First School Leaving Certificate process, making results accessible online for easy verification during secondary school admissions.
On the transfer certificate policy, Ilang said it would check the arbitrary movement of students from one school to another without a record of performance. “Any school that admits a child without a transfer certificate will face sanctions,” he warned.
The commissioner further stated that graduation ceremonies would now be restricted to JSS3 and SS3 students to reduce financial pressure on parents. “Basic education runs from primary one to JSS3, and graduation at that stage is enough recognition,” he said.
He also revealed that students would now graduate with certificates in entrepreneurship and skills acquisition, in line with the state’s vision for self-reliance.
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On lessons, Ilang said they must no longer be made compulsory. “Lesson fees should be based on an agreement between parents and schools. No child should be sent out of class for not paying lesson fees,” he emphasised.
The commissioner added that the government has banned the leasing of school facilities for religious or business purposes, citing vandalism of laboratories, halls, and other infrastructure as a major concern.
Calling for community support, Ilang urged traditional rulers, local government chairmen, development center coordinators, and parents to partner with the ministry in monitoring schools to ensure full compliance.
“These are not policies of the commissioner, but policies of the Ebonyi State Government to enhance quality and sustainability in our education system,” Ilang said.
