The Ogun State Government has announced a ban on graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties in all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state, citing the need to reduce the financial burden on parents and guardians amid prevailing economic challenges.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, was issued by the state Ministry of Education, Science and Technology as part of measures aimed at promoting modest and affordable school activities while discouraging excessive spending associated with school celebrations.
According to the government, many parents have increasingly expressed concerns over the rising costs attached to graduation ceremonies, valedictory services, end-of-session parties, and other social events organized by schools at the end of every academic session. These activities often involve compulsory levies, expensive attire, souvenirs, entertainment, and venue costs, placing additional financial pressure on families already grappling with economic hardship.
The state government noted that while schools have the responsibility to celebrate the academic progress of their learners, such celebrations should not become avenues for imposing unnecessary expenses on parents.
Under the new directive, schools are prohibited from organizing elaborate graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties that require financial contributions from parents. Instead, schools have been encouraged to adopt simple and cost-effective methods of marking the completion of academic sessions and recognizing outstanding pupils and students.
Education authorities in the state stressed that the policy applies to both public and private institutions, emphasizing that compliance would be closely monitored by relevant government agencies. School administrators found violating the directive could face sanctions in accordance with existing educational regulations.
The government maintained that the decision aligns with its commitment to ensuring that education remains accessible and affordable for all residents of the state. Officials argued that resources expended on lavish celebrations could be better utilized to support teaching, learning, and the overall development of students.
The move has generated mixed reactions among stakeholders in the education sector. While many parents have welcomed the decision, describing it as a timely intervention to ease financial strain, some school proprietors and administrators have expressed concerns that graduation ceremonies serve as important milestones for students and provide opportunities for schools to celebrate academic achievements.
Several parents who reacted to the announcement said they had often struggled to meet the financial demands associated with end-of-session events, particularly in households with multiple children. They argued that the ban would help curb unnecessary expenses and allow families to focus on more pressing educational needs.
Education experts, however, suggested that rather than completely eliminating such events, schools could be encouraged to organize low-cost ceremonies that preserve the significance of graduation while remaining affordable for parents.
The Ogun State Government reiterated that its primary objective is to protect parents from avoidable financial obligations and ensure that school-related activities remain within reasonable limits. It urged school owners, administrators, teachers, and parents to cooperate with the directive in the interest of students and the broader educational system.
The latest policy comes as governments across Nigeria continue to explore measures aimed at cushioning the effects of economic pressures on citizens and reducing the cost of education for families.
