•School graduation ceremony
A ban on extravagant graduation parties in elementary schools has been implemented in some states, prompting mixed reactions.
Some view banning these ceremonies as a step back from acknowledging and celebrating important milestones in a student’s life.
Graduation ceremonies have traditionally marked significant milestones in a student’s academic journey, providing opportunities to celebrate hard work, reflect on progress, and look ahead with hope for a brighter future, reports The Nation.
At the heart of this decision is a growing concern about the financial pressure these ceremonies place on parents and guardians, especially those already struggling to meet basic school expenses.
Recall that the federal government banned graduation ceremonies for nursery, kindergarten and other pre-primary pupils nationwide.
The ban was announced on January 9, alongside a new policy that mandates the use of ‘high-quality’ textbooks designed to last between four and six years.
Similar restrictions have also been enforced in states such as Benue, Ondo, Osun, and Imo, where governments have moved to curb or regulate graduation-related ceremonies in basic and secondary education.
The Ogun State government directed all public and private schools across the state to discontinue graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties, citing concerns over alleged financial pressure on parents and guardians.
The directive was contained in a circular issued today by A.A. Bisiriyu, director of education, on behalf of the ministry’s permanent secretary, and addressed to administrators of all public and private schools.
The Kogi State government also restated its ban on excessive graduation ceremonies in nursery, primary, and junior secondary schools, warning that defaulting schools risk closure.
The report added that the state also reaffirmed its prohibition of sign-out ceremonies by graduating undergraduates, with the Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, stating that the policy was introduced to reduce financial pressure on parents.
The Delta State government has reminded private school owners across the state of the outright ban on graduation parties and all associated end-of-session celebrations.
It maintained that any institution found flouting the directive will face severe penalties, including a potential five-year closure.
The Delta State government announced in September 2025 a ban on lavish graduation parties in private schools, describing the trend as an “unnecessary financial burden” on families.
Other states include:
Edo
Ekiti
Kaduna
Kogi
Niger
Ebonyi
Abiagi
