Schools in Ebonyi State have been placed under closer watch as the State Government steps up enforcement of its ban on graduation, valedictory and prize-giving ceremonies.
With more than 106 surveillance and security personnel deployed across the State’s 13 Local Government Areas, the Government has warned schools against attempting to evade the directive.
The warning came during a briefing in Abakaliki, the State capital, where the Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Donatus Ilang, charged the monitoring team with enforcing the ban without compromise.
Ilang warned that schools found violating the directive would face severe sanctions.
“A kite flying without pitching will be shot without missing,” the Commissioner said. “A child that denies the mother sleep will not sleep either.”
He disclosed that investigations were already ongoing into more than 158 schools allegedly reported for breaching the directive.
The Commissioner further warned that principals, headteachers and proprietors who fail to refund graduation levies illegally collected from parents would soon face severe disciplinary measures.
Ilang urged the surveillance personnel to carry out their duties diligently, assuring them that the necessary logistical support would be provided promptly.
He also called on the team to remain united and make use of the Ministry’s dedicated hotlines for real-time reporting.
The Commissioner stressed that only Ministry-appointed officers and designated security personnel who had been briefed for the operation were authorised to enforce the policy.
He also warned school administrators against attempting to circumvent the ban by organising graduation ceremonies on church premises.
According to him, schools found engaging in such acts would be summoned and penalised.
The Ebonyi State Government has maintained its crackdown on schools accused of violating the ban, as authorities continue to monitor compliance across the State.
