Rivers State Government Warns Against Illegal Graduation Party Fees

By Awajis Josiah-Chijindu 

The Rivers State Ministry of Education has directed that all public and private primary and secondary schools in the State shall officially close for the 2025/2026 academic session on Friday, 17th July, 2026, in accordance with the approved academic calendar.

The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, stated today this while monitoring the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination across selected secondary schools in the State.

Dr. Nwagor expressed satisfaction with the peaceful, orderly, and transparent conduct of the examination, commending students, school administrators, and examination officials for adhering to established examination guidelines.

According to the Commissioner, the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, provided every necessary support to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination.

In his word "The Government has provided everything required for the successful conduct of the examination. 

The exercise has been seamless, and students were observed writing their examinations independently without any form of interference. The Rivers State Ministry of Education maintains zero tolerance for examination malpractice, and anyone found violating examination regulations will be dealt with in accordance with the law," he stated.

The Commissioner further warned all private schools operating in Rivers State to desist from organizing end-of-session celebrations or graduation parties used as avenues to impose illegal levies or extort money from parents and guardians. He emphasized that such practices are unacceptable and would attract appropriate sanctions from the Ministry.

He also directed all principals and school administrators to ensure that students do not engage in any form of conduct capable of constituting a public nuisance after completing their final external examinations adding that  School authorities are expected to properly supervise and counsel their students to maintain law and order.

He also directed all transferred and retired teachers who are still occupying teachers' quarters across public schools in the State to vacate such accommodation with immediate effect to enable the Government allocate the facilities to eligible serving officers. 

Schools visited includes Community Secondary School Rumuodumaya, Community Secondary School Rukpokwu and Community Secondary School Okoro-nu-odo.