Imo State Government has directed all principals and head teachers of public and private schools in the state to desist from compelling parents and guardians to provide items such as shovels, hoes, cutlasses, buckets, toiletries, detergents, and cash levies as conditions for admitting students into JSS1 and SSS1.
The Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Prof. B. T. O. Ikegwuoha, who issued the directive in a special announcement on Sunday, described the practice as “illegal and unapproved,” stressing that it has become a major concern to the Ministry as schools resumed on Monday, September 8, 2025.
He said reports indicated that many schools, both public and private, have continued to impose arbitrary admission requirements and fees on parents, in clear violation of government policies.
“To this effect, a dedicated phone number — 0707 659 3298 — has been introduced for parents, guardians, students and stakeholders to report any complaints regarding principals and head teachers flouting or disobeying government policies,” Prof. Ikegwuoha stated.
On textbooks, the Commissioner reminded schools and parents that the current list of approved textbooks must remain in use until August 2026, when a new set will be introduced for another four-year cycle ending in 2030.
He further announced the abolition of publishing textbooks with workbooks embedded in them, saying the practice forces parents to buy new copies every year and prevents younger siblings from re-using textbooks. Henceforth, workbooks are to be printed and distributed separately.
Prof. Ikegwuoha warned that the Ministry would no longer tolerate extortion from school authorities, whether in private or public institutions.
“Let Nigerian and Imo parents, guardians and stakeholders breathe,” he declared. “If you see something going wrong in any of our schools, say something.”
