The Ogun State Government has banned graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties in all public and private schools across the state, citing growing concerns over the exploitation of parents and guardians through unauthorised charges imposed by some school administrators.
The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and signed by A.A. Bisiriyu, Director of Education (Private Schools).
According to the circular, the government received reports that some schools had begun collecting various fees from parents under the guise of organising graduation and end-of-session celebrations for learners.
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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,” the circular stated.
The ministry said the practice runs contrary to resolutions reached during the stakeholders’ meeting for the 2025/2026 academic session and warned school owners against organising such events.
“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 directive added.
School administrators were instructed to ensure widespread awareness of the policy among parents, teachers and other stakeholders, while authorities warned that any school found violating the order would face sanctions in line with existing regulations.
The latest directive marks a significant tightening of Ogun’s position on school celebrations. In September last year, the state government had already moved to curb what it described as extravagant graduation ceremonies, restricting such events to pupils completing Primary Six, Junior Secondary School Three and Senior Secondary School Three.
The new order appears to go further by prohibiting graduation and end-of-session celebrations across all classes, reflecting growing concern over rising education-related costs for households already grappling with economic pressures.
Ogun is not alone in adopting stricter measures. Across Nigeria, several state governments have introduced similar policies aimed at reducing expenses associated with school ceremonies.
Earlier this week, the Kogi State Government reaffirmed its ban on excessive graduation ceremonies in nursery, primary and junior secondary schools, warning that schools that flout the directive could face closure. The state also maintained its prohibition on sign-out ceremonies by undergraduates, saying the policy was designed to reduce financial pressure on parents.
Niger State has likewise reiterated a standing ban on graduation ceremonies in public and private primary and secondary schools, accusing some institutions of compelling parents to pay for graduation gowns, souvenirs, entertainment and related expenses.
Similar restrictions have also been introduced in states including Osun, Ondo, Imo, Ekiti and Benue, where governments have argued that excessive celebrations distract from academic goals and create avoidable financial burdens for families.
Education stakeholders are expected to closely monitor implementation of the Ogun directive as schools approach the end of the third term, with compliance likely to shape future policy decisions in the state’s education sector.
