Ogun bans graduation ceremonies, parties in public, private schools

Ogun State, Nigeria, has ordered all public and private schools to cease graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties. The directive, issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, cites concerns over financial burdens placed on parents and guardians.

The circular, dated June 17, explicitly states that the government frowns upon such gatherings. It follows reports that some school administrators were allegedly extorting parents under the guise of organizing these celebrations. The ministry emphasized that these practices are no longer acceptable within the state's education sector.

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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.

School administrators have been instructed to widely publicize the directive among parents and stakeholders to ensure full compliance. The government warned that any school found violating the ban would be subject to sanctions according to applicable regulations.

This move by Ogun State aligns with similar restrictions implemented in other Nigerian states. Kogi State, for instance, has also reiterated its ban on excessive graduation ceremonies in basic education and prohibited sign-out ceremonies for undergraduates. Other states like Benue, Ondo, Osun, and Imo have also taken steps to curb or regulate graduation-related events in basic and secondary education, aiming to reduce financial pressures on families.

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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.