Abia Govt Reaffirms Ban on Graduation Levies in Non-Terminal Classes

By Felix Oti

The Abia State Government has reiterated that the collection of graduation levies or fees is only permitted in Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3), being the terminal classes in the Basic and Secondary Education cycles.

This was contained in a press release issued on Friday, 10th July 2026, by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

The government stated that any graduation ceremony organized for non-terminal classes that attracts compulsory payment is not approved and must cease forthwith.

It directed that no public or private school shall collect graduation levies from pupils or students in any class other than Primary 6 and SS3.

The Ministry noted that it has received reports that some schools across the state are still imposing unauthorized graduation fees on pupils in non-terminal classes.

To enforce compliance, the Ministry has been directed to commence immediate monitoring across all schools in the state. Any school found in violation will be sanctioned in accordance with the law.

Parents, guardians, and school proprietors were advised to comply strictly with the directive.
Cases of non-compliance should be reported to the Ministry through 08142978338 for prompt investigation.