By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
The Ebonyi State Government has announced a set of nine new policies designed to improve standards and ensure sustainability in the education sector.
The State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Donatus Ilang, made this known while addressing journalists in Abakaliki. He said the reforms are part of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s vision to make education the top priority of his administration.
“These policies are not mine; they are policies of the Ebonyi State Government aimed at guaranteeing quality education for our children,” Ilang said, adding that wide consultations were held with principals, head teachers, inspectors, and education boards before adoption.
Among the reforms is the introduction of unified textbooks across all public, private, and faith-based schools to standardize learning and reduce the financial burden on parents. A “use and reuse” policy for textbooks was also approved, ensuring that siblings can use the same books without defacing them with notes or assignments.
On admissions, the commissioner disclosed that the First School Leaving Certificate has now become a prerequisite for entry into secondary schools. He revealed that results have been digitized and can be accessed online by parents and principals.
The government also announced the immediate closure of all unapproved schools operating without proper facilities or accreditation. “We have seen schools in rented rooms, church halls, and even under trees. Such schools are counterproductive and will no longer be allowed,” Ilang stated.
To check unmonitored student movement, the ministry reactivated the transfer certificate policy, warning that schools admitting pupils without the certificate would be sanctioned.
In addition, the state introduced a “fail and repeat” policy, banning the practice of promoting students who fail examinations. It also abolished the old system of ranking pupils by class positions, describing it as misleading.
On graduation ceremonies, the commissioner said the state will now only permit such events at JSS3 and SS3 levels. He argued that the new arrangement would ease financial stress on parents while aligning with the national 9-3-4 education structure.
The state also approved entrepreneurship and skill acquisition training for students, with certificates to be issued at both JSS3 and SS3 levels to prepare graduates for self-reliance.
Furthermore, the government outlawed compulsory after-school lessons, insisting that such programs must be optional and based on mutual agreement between schools and parents.
Ilang also disclosed that schools will no longer be allowed to lease their facilities for church services, business activities, or political events, citing widespread vandalism of laboratories, halls, and other infrastructure.
He called on traditional rulers, local government officials, development center coordinators, parents, and teachers’ associations to work with the ministry in enforcing the policies across communities.
“Education is the foundation of development. If you see unapproved schools or any violation of these policies, report immediately to inspectors or the ministry. Together, we must protect the future of our children,” Ilang said.