Despite a directive by the Rivers State Government banning end-of-session parties in schools, many private primary and secondary schools across the state have gone ahead with elaborate ceremonies, leaving parents and guardians to bear the financial cost.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, had announced the ban as part of efforts to reduce the financial burden on families amid the rising cost of living.
However, findings from Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Okrika, Bonny, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Emohua and other parts of the state indicate that several private schools ignored the directive. Many organised graduation and end-of-session events featuring rented event halls, graduation gowns, souvenirs and entertainment, with parents reportedly paying between ₦20,000 and ₦100,000, depending on the school.
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Some parents, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they were given little notice and had no option but to comply with the schools’ demands.
“The ban came too late and there were no consequences. We had no choice but to pay, otherwise our children would have been excluded from the activities,” one parent said.
Education stakeholders described the situation as a reflection of weak enforcement of government policies in the education sector. They argued that the absence of sanctions has emboldened schools to disregard official directives without fear of consequences.
The development has also raised concerns over the effectiveness of regulatory oversight by the Ministry of Education and its ability to ensure compliance among both public and private schools.
The Rivers State Ministry of Education had not announced any disciplinary measures against schools alleged to have violated the ban, as of the time of filing this report.
