The Enugu State Government has prohibited schools across the state from collecting unauthorised levies for graduation ceremonies, Career Day, end-of-session celebrations, school anniversaries, Christmas parties and similar activities, warning that defaulters will face sanctions.Africans & Diaspora

The directive was contained in Ministry of Education Policy 0031, issued on July 1, 2026, and signed by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah.

The circular, addressed to the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), the Post Basic Schools Management Board (PBSMB), the Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board (STVSMB), mission school authorities, private school associations, school proprietors, principals and headteachers, followed what the ministry described as persistent complaints about illegal charges imposed on parents.Holidays & Seasonal Events

According to the ministry, several schools have continued to collect money from pupils and students for graduation and transition ceremonies, Career Day, school anniversaries, end-of-session activities, Christmas parties and other events despite existing government directives prohibiting such practices.

The government stressed that no public, private or mission school is permitted to compel parents or guardians to pay levies for any of the listed activities.

“The Enugu State Ministry of Education hereby reiterates that no public, private, or mission school shall impose, demand, or collect any levy from pupils, students, or parents for Transition, Graduation, ‘Career Day,’ Anniversaries, End-of-Session activities, Christmas parties and related events.”Africans & Diaspora

The ministry warned that any unauthorised collection of money for such programmes amounts to a violation of government regulations.

While reaffirming the ban on compulsory levies, the government clarified that schools may still organise modest, cost-free academic transition ceremonies to mark key educational milestones.

According to the policy, such events are only permissible for pupils completing Pre-Primary/Kindergarten, Basic 6, Basic 9 (JSS3), Senior Secondary School (SS3) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.

The ministry emphasised that the ceremonies must remain simple, school-based and focused strictly on recognising academic achievements.

“These events are intended solely to recognize important academic milestones and shall remain modest, school-based, and free of compulsory levies imposed on parents or guardians.”

To ensure compliance, the ministry directed all school proprietors, administrators, principals and headteachers to immediately stop organising activities that require compulsory financial contributions from parents.

Schools were also ordered to halt the collection of fees for Career Day, anniversaries, graduation ceremonies, end-of-session celebrations, Christmas parties and other related events, while ensuring strict adherence to government-approved school charges.

In addition, school authorities were instructed to sensitise teachers and other stakeholders on the prohibition of unauthorised levies.

The Commissioner warned that any proprietor or school administrator found violating the directive would face sanctions in line with existing laws.

“Any proprietor, administrator, principal, or headteacher found to be in violation of this policy shall be liable to appropriate sanctions, including fines as prescribed by law.”

Prof. Mbah added that the circular serves as formal notice to all schools in the state, noting that compliance would be monitored through routine inspections and compliance audits, with violators facing appropriate penalties under the law.