The Imo State Government has announced new policies aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents and strengthening focus on academics in schools.

In a memo dated August 15, 2025, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, directed that graduation parties for nursery pupils and Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) students are no longer allowed. Going forward, only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) students are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies, in line with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system.

“The Ministry is committed to providing quality and functional education to every child in the state,” Ikegwuoha said. “Graduation ceremonies for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS3 are hereby abolished. The focus must remain on celebrating academic milestones at the completion of primary and secondary education cycles.”

The Commissioner also condemned the frequent change of textbooks in private and faith-based schools, describing it as an unnecessary financial strain on families. He ordered that approved textbooks must be retained for at least four years to enable siblings and other students to reuse them.

“School proprietors are hereby warned to desist from the annual change of textbooks,” Ikegwuoha stressed. “Maintaining a stable textbook list for four years will not only cut costs for parents but also create a more consistent and effective learning environment.”

According to the Ministry, these measures are part of efforts to build a more stable, affordable, and student-centered education system in Imo State.

When I was commissioner of police in Lagos State, I took my job very seriously, especially on Saturdays.
One morning, instead of waiting for my usual 10 a.m. start, I woke up at 6 a.m. for an unannounced inspection.

Driving myself, I decided to check on officers along Herbert Macaulay Road. At a checkpoint, a young constable stopped me and asked:

> “Young man, where are you going with your father’s car?”

He demanded my papers and ID. I said my name was Mohammed and asked to see his ID first — he had none. He called their sergeant, who also had no ID but insisted we head to Yaba Police Station.

At the station, parking was full except the DPO’s spot. I parked there. The constable protested but I kept quiet.

Inside, they took me to an ASP wearing shorts at work. He told me to come in. I refused, saying he couldn’t interrogate me in casual clothes. He tried pulling me in, I pulled him back. When he finally looked closely, shock covered his face.

An elderly man in the station went to check the photo wall… saw my face there… and jumped out the window to escape. Soon, whispers spread:

> “This is the CP.”

Panic broke out — the ASP in shorts also escaped through the window.

Later, I was told the DPO, ASP, and the officers were detained awaiting my orders.

What upset me wasn’t the arrest — it was the lack of discipline and professionalism:

Officers without ID cards stopping citizens.

An ASP doing official duty in casual home wear.

That day proved to me that true leadership isn’t about sitting in an office. You must go out, see things for yourself, and make sure justice and discipline are upheld at every level.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has put on hold his plan to collect his African Democratic Congress (ADC) membership card, a move that has sparked fresh speculation about former President Goodluck Jonathan’s possible return to the 2027 presidential race. Reports suggest the ADC may be making moves to woo Jonathan.

Atiku, who recently left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after months of internal crisis, was scheduled to formalize his ADC membership in a public ceremony in Jada, Adamawa State, on Wednesday, August 6.

The event, to be overseen by senior ADC leaders, has now been postponed indefinitely. Atiku’s camp has not given any official explanation for the sudden change in plans.