The Ogun State Government has limited graduation ceremonies in schools to learners completing key stages of their education, banning such events for Nursery, Kindergarten and other non-exit classes.
The directive, issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, applies to both public and private schools across the state. Authorities said the move is intended to shield parents and guardians from unnecessary expenses linked to school celebrations.
Under the new guideline, only pupils in Primary Six and students in JSS3 and SSS3 may hold graduation ceremonies. Even then, schools are expected to keep the events simple and free of financial demands on families.
The ministry also frowned on flashy celebrations, stating that, “The use of canopies, Aso Ebi, customized attire, or any other forms of extravagant social displays during graduation ceremonies is strictly prohibited”.
School administrators were urged to focus more on academic accomplishments and moral development rather than costly social events.
The government warned that schools that fail to comply with the directive could face disciplinary action under existing regulations.
The decision follows earlier concerns by the state government over reports that some schools were allegedly using graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties to place financial pressure on parents.
“It has been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some administrators of both public and non-state (private) schools have started extorting parents/guardians under the disguise of organising graduation/end-of-session parties for learners,” the circular stated.
