Ogun cracks down on school graduation ceremonies, end-of-semester parties

The Ogun State Government has banned graduation ceremonies and end-of-session celebrations in public and private schools across the state, citing concerns over the increased financial burden imposed on parents and guardians from such events.

The directive is contained in a circular issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and signed by the Director of Education (Private Schools), AA Bisiriyu.

The circular addressed to school owners and managers across the state orders immediate compliance and warns that any institution found to be violating the directive will be sanctioned.

According to the ministry, the decision followed complaints that some schools had turned graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties into a means of charging parents excessive fees.

“The Ministry has informed that several administrators of state and non-state (private) schools have started extorting parents/guardians by posing as organizers of graduation parties/end of lessons for students,” the circular said.

The government emphasizes that this practice is not in line with education policy objectives and can no longer be tolerated.

“It is, therefore, pertinent to state that, the State Government is not in favor of holding Graduation ceremonies/End of Session Parties in all classes in Government and Non-State (Private) schools in the State. Therefore, no school owner should hold such gatherings immediately,” he added.

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School authorities are also directed to ensure that parents, guardians and other stakeholders are adequately informed about the new policy to ensure strict compliance.

The development places Ogun among a growing number of states taking steps to regulate school celebrations and related expenditure. Similar measures have been implemented in several regions of the country, including Kogi State, where authorities are still imposing restrictions on elaborate graduation ceremonies in kindergartens, primary schools and junior high schools.

The Kogi State government also toughened its ban on autograph ceremonies by graduating students, saying such events often put unnecessary financial pressure on families.

Similar restrictions have been implemented in states such as Benue, Ondo, Osun and Imo, where governments are seeking to curb what they describe as excessive and expensive graduation-related activities in the education sector.

The Ogun State Government reiterated that schools are expected to fully comply with the directive, and warned that institutions flouting the order will be dealt with in accordance with existing regulations.