The Rivers State Government has issued a stern warning to private schools across the state against organizing what it described as unnecessary end-of-session and graduation parties that impose financial burdens on parents.

Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, gave the warning while speaking with journalists shortly after monitoring the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations in selected schools across different parts of the state.

Dr. Nwagor said the ministry had received numerous complaints from parents and other stakeholders over the growing trend of schools compelling families to pay for elaborate end-of-session and graduation celebrations.

According to him, the state government will no longer tolerate practices that amount to the exploitation of parents under the guise of school celebrations.

“There has been an outcry from different quarters in this regard, and there will be sanctions for all those who violate this order,” the commissioner warned.

He stressed that schools should concentrate on delivering quality education rather than introducing activities that place unnecessary financial pressure on parents.

The commissioner also reminded both public and private schools to comply strictly with the state’s approved academic calendar by closing for the session on Friday, July 17, 2026.

He disclosed that officials of the ministry’s Quality Assurance Department would be deployed across the state to monitor compliance with the directive, warning that schools found operating outside the approved calendar would face appropriate sanctions.

Dr. Nwagor explained that adherence to the official school calendar remains essential for maintaining standards and ensuring uniformity in the state’s education system.

In a related directive, the commissioner ordered teachers occupying government residential quarters to vacate the facilities immediately if they had been transferred to other schools.

He explained that the directive is intended to make accommodation available for teachers currently serving in the schools where the quarters are located.

“If by September we find out that such teacher did not follow this directive, such teacher will be disciplined,” he said.