# Rivers State Education Ministry Announces July 17 Closing Date, Warns Schools Against Illegal Graduation Levies
As the academic year draws to a close, the Rivers State Ministry of Education has issued critical directives for all primary and secondary schools across the state. In a move to ensure uniformity and protect parents from financial exploitation, the state government has officially announced the closing date for the current term and issued a stern warning to school administrators regarding unauthorized charges.
### Official Closing Date Set for July 17, 2026
The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has directed all public and private primary and secondary schools in Rivers State to officially close for the 2025/2026 academic session on **Friday, July 17, 2026**.
According to Dr. Nwagor, who announced the directive on Tuesday during a school monitoring exercise, this timeline is in strict compliance with the state’s approved academic calendar. School administrators are expected to wrap up all academic activities, exams, and record-keeping ahead of this date to ensure a smooth transition into the holiday period.
### Stern Warning Against Illegal Graduation Levies
Alongside the holiday announcement, the Ministry of Education has addressed a growing concern among parents regarding end-of-term expenses. The Commissioner issued a strong warning to both public and private school authorities against the imposition of illegal graduation levies and other unapproved financial demands.
As schools prepare for end-of-year graduation ceremonies and promotional events, the Ministry emphasized that arbitrary fees under the guise of “graduation levies” or “party charges” are strictly prohibited. This directive is part of the government’s ongoing effort to make quality education accessible and affordable, shielding families from unnecessary financial burdens during these milestone events.
### Implications for School Administrators and Parents
For school proprietors, principals, and headteachers, compliance with these directives is non-negotiable. The Ministry’s monitoring teams will continue to observe school operations to ensure that the July 17 closing date is respected and that no unauthorized fees are collected. Parents are encouraged to stay informed of their rights and report any school demanding unapproved levies.
By maintaining a structured academic calendar and actively regulating school charges, Rivers State continues to prioritize a fair, organized, and high-standard educational environment for all students.
*To read the full official release and stay updated on local educational policies, visit the original announcement on the [Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications portal](https://moic.rv.gov.ng/education-ministry-orders-schools-to-close-july-17/).*