The Edo State Government has unveiled a set of reforms in the education sector, effective from the 2025/2026 academic session, aimed at strengthening learning outcomes, reducing financial burden on parents, and equipping students with practical life skills.

Announcing the measures in Benin City, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, said the reforms are part of the SHINE agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.

Under the new directive, graduation ceremonies are restricted to pupils completing Basic Education at Junior Secondary School Three (JSS 3) and those graduating from Senior Secondary School Three (SSS 3). All elaborate celebrations, including prom-like events, have been banned.

Graduation parties for nursery, kindergarten, and primary classes — including Primary Six — are no longer permitted. The government emphasized that only modest ceremonies at JSS 3 and SSS 3 levels will be allowed.

Also, to reduce costs for parents, the government also approved a textbook reuse policy. Under this arrangement, approved textbooks can be used for at least four years and passed down to younger siblings before any review or replacement by the Ministry of Education.

Another major reform is the introduction of compulsory entrepreneurship training for all JSS 3 students. Beginning next academic session, every JSS 3 graduate will receive not only the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) but also a Skills Acquisition Certificate in a chosen trade subject.

Dr. Iyamu explained that this initiative is designed to prepare students for life beyond the classroom by equipping them with both academic knowledge and practical skills.

“The reforms reaffirm government’s determination to entrench discipline, quality, and innovation in Edo’s education system,” the Commissioner said, stressing that the new policies are meant to build a generation of learners who are globally competitive and locally impactful.