The Imo State Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has announced Monday, September 14, 2026, as the official resumption date for all primary and secondary schools in the state for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The ministry urged parents, guardians, teachers and students to make the necessary preparations ahead of the new academic session.

2026 Common Entrance and BECE Results Released

The ministry also announced the release of the 2026 Universal Basic Education General Placement Test (UBEGPT), commonly known as the Common Entrance Examination, as well as the results of the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

According to the ministry, BECE candidates will be able to view and print their certificates through the state education portal on or before September 8, 2026.

The ministry further clarified that admission into JSS 1 in secondary schools across Imo State will be based on the Common Entrance results.

However, private schools may conduct interviews for students who have been posted to their schools.

Imo Bans Admission Levies in Private Schools

The state government has also banned private schools from demanding items such as toilet rolls, cutlasses, hoes, shovels, soaps and detergents as conditions for admission into JSS 1 and SSS 1.

The directive takes immediate effect, with the ministry warning that private schools that violate the order risk having their licences or approval letters revoked.

Parents Told Not to Pay for Textbooks Yet

Parents and guardians have also been directed not to pay for textbooks for now, as the government works with school proprietors and the State Education Management Board (SEMB) to establish standard textbook prices across primary and secondary schools.

The review covers subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural Science, Computer Studies and Solar Repairs, among others.

The ministry said the approved textbook prices would be announced publicly after the joint committee concludes its review.

It specifically warned parents against paying for textbooks based on lists issued by private school proprietors or heads of government schools until the approved prices are released.

Ministry Demands Transparency in School Fees

All schools in Imo State have also been directed to issue receipts for tuition fees.

According to the directive, any additional levies must be clearly listed separately on receipts to promote transparency and accountability.

Parents have been encouraged to demand proper documentation of all payments made to their children’s schools.

New Rules for PTA Levies in Private Schools

The ministry further announced new arrangements for the collection and management of PTA levies in private primary and secondary schools.

Under the new arrangement, PTA levies are to be determined by two parents and one teacher.

A bank account is also to be opened for the PTA, with two parents and one teacher serving as signatories.

The ministry said the PTA, rather than school proprietors, will determine how money collected as PTA levies is spent.

Uniform Examination Fees for WAEC, NECO

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said it will soon announce approved registration fees for WAEC, NECO and other external examinations in Imo State.

The ministry stated that examination registration fees are expected to be uniform across public and private schools, ending what it described as arbitrary and indiscriminate charges by individual schools.

Principals and head teachers will therefore no longer be permitted to independently determine examination registration fees.

Directives Follow Meeting With School Proprietors

The ministry said the new directives followed a recent meeting between proprietors of private schools and the Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Prof. Bernard-Thompson O. Ikegwuoha.

The measures are aimed at improving transparency, regulating school charges and ensuring greater uniformity in the administration of primary and secondary education across Imo State.