The Delta State Government has banned the celebration of Valentine’s Day in all public and private secondary schools across the state.
The directive was contained in an official circular dated February 11, 2026, issued by the Ministry of Secondary Education at its headquarters in Asaba and signed by the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Nze Ashibogwu.
The notice, titled “Abolition of Valentine Parties in Schools,” was circulated to Chief Inspectors of Education, field offices of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, and heads of both public and private secondary schools.
According to the ministry, the government observed that Valentine parties were increasingly being organised in many secondary schools, with the involvement of both students and teachers. Authorities stated that such activities had not contributed positively to academic performance.
The state government emphasised that students are expected to devote their time and energy to academic work and other productive school-related activities. It warned school administrators against programmes that could distract students or interfere with their academic responsibilities.
The circular further reiterated the government’s commitment to improving educational standards, noting that any activity capable of weakening moral values or affecting students’ academic growth would not be permitted within school premises.
Consequently, all school heads across Delta State have been directed to immediately halt the organisation or approval of Valentine parties in both public and private secondary schools.