The Ebonyi State Government has unveiled a new education policy introducing far-reaching reforms across public and private schools, with immediate measures including the closure of unapproved institutions, adoption of unified textbooks, and stricter promotion standards.
Announcing the policy on September 1, 2025, Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary), Dr. Donatus Chukwuma Ilang, said the reforms are part of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs Agenda, aimed at raising the standard of education in the state.
Under the new directives, all schools are mandated to use government-approved textbooks, which will remain in circulation for four years before review. Parents have also been directed to transfer their wards from unapproved faith-based and private schools to recognized institutions. In addition, the First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) has been made compulsory for admission into secondary school, while transfer students must provide valid transfer certificates.
The government also announced the abolition of student ranking beyond the top three positions, replacing it with a pass-or-fail grading system. Students who fail promotion examinations will now be required to repeat their classes. Graduation ceremonies have equally been restricted to students completing JSS3 and SS3, with nursery, kindergarten, and primary six pupils barred from holding such events.
As part of efforts to promote practical learning, entrepreneurship and skill acquisition subjects are now compulsory, with certificates to be awarded to students at graduation. Furthermore, compulsory extra lessons have been banned unless mutually agreed upon by parents, teachers, and school managers.
Dr. Ilang stressed that the reforms were designed to improve educational quality, strengthen discipline, and prepare Ebonyi students for future challenges. “All principals and school administrators are directed to comply strictly with these policies,” he stated.
