The Ogun State Government has ordered all public and private schools in the state to immediately stop holding graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties, citing the financial strain such events place on parents and guardians.
The directive, issued in a circular by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and signed by A.A. Bisiriyu, Director of Education (Private Schools), warned that schools failing to comply would face sanctions.
According to Premium Times Nigeria, the ministry acted after receiving complaints that some school administrators were allegedly extorting parents and guardians under the pretext of organising graduation and end-of-session celebrations.
“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 said.
The government described the practice as unacceptable and contrary to efforts to make education more affordable for families across the state.
“Therefore, it is pertinent to state that the State Government frowns at organising Graduation/End of Session Party ceremony in all classes in both Public and Non-State (Private) schools in the State. Hence, no school owner should organise such gatherings forthwith,” the circular added.
School administrators were instructed to communicate the directive widely to parents, guardians and other stakeholders to ensure full compliance.
Ogun joins several other states that have recently taken steps to curb costly school celebrations.
Earlier this week, Kogi State reaffirmed its ban on elaborate graduation ceremonies in nursery, primary and junior secondary schools, warning that schools in violation could be closed.
The Kogi Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, said the policy aims to reduce financial pressure on parents.Similar restrictions have been introduced in Benue, Ondo, Osun and Imo states, where governments have sought to regulate or discourage graduation-related activities in basic and secondary schools.
The Ogun State Government said any school found violating the directive would be sanctioned under existing education regulations.
