By Adesakin Adefemi
The Ogun State Government has ordered an immediate ban on all graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties in public and private schools across the state. The directive, issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, takes effect immediately and covers pupils and students in all classes.
The instruction was contained in a circular released by the Department of Private Schools in Abeokuta and distributed to school administrators through Zonal Education Officers. The circular was signed by A.A. Bisiriyu, Director of Education for Private Schools, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the ministry.
According to the ministry, the decision followed reports that some school owners were extorting parents and guardians under the pretext of organizing graduation and end-of-session celebrations. Officials said fees charged for gowns, decorations, souvenirs, and venue hire had become a financial burden for many families.
The circular referenced resolutions reached during the 2025/2026 pre-resumption stakeholders’ meeting held in September 2025 at Lisabi Grammar School Hall, Abeokuta. During that meeting, education stakeholders agreed to curb excessive levies and non-academic charges in schools.
“As a result, no school owner should organize such gatherings henceforth,” the ministry stated. The government emphasized that it frowns on any form of graduation or party event for pupils and students at every level in both public and non-state schools.
School administrators have been directed to give the circular the widest publicity to ensure parents, teachers, and students are aware of the new policy. The ministry warned that any school found violating the order will face appropriate sanctions, though it did not specify the penalties.
The ban is expected to spark debate among school owners, parents, and education stakeholders in Ogun. Graduation ceremonies and elaborate end-of-session parties have become common in nurseries, primary, and secondary schools, often seen as a milestone for students and a revenue source for schools.
For parents, the directive may bring relief from mounting costs at the end of each academic session. Many have complained that “compulsory” graduation fees, party wear, and photo packages add tens of thousands of naira to school expenses yearly.
The Ogun government’s move aligns with a growing push in several states to reduce financial pressure on parents and keep schools focused on academics. School owners in Abeokuta and other parts of the state are now expected to comply or risk disciplinary action from education authorities.
