The Ogun State Government has banned graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties in all public and private schools across the state, in a move aimed at curbing alleged extortion of parents and reducing unnecessary school expenses.
The directive was issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology through a circular from the Department of Private Schools in Abeokuta, and distributed to schools via Zonal Education Officers.
According to the ministry, some schools were reportedly using graduation and end-of-session events as a means of imposing additional financial burdens on parents and guardians, contrary to government-approved education guidelines.
The government stated that the practice had earlier been discussed at the 2025/2026 pre-resumption stakeholders’ meeting held in Abeokuta, where it was agreed that such ceremonies should be discouraged.
In the circular, the ministry stressed that no school, whether public or private, is permitted to organise graduation parties or similar celebrations for pupils and students at any level.
It warned that any school found violating the directive would face appropriate sanctions.
School administrators have been instructed to ensure full compliance and to widely circulate the directive among stakeholders.
The circular was signed by the Director of Education (Private Schools), A.A. Bisiriyu, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.
The policy is expected to spark reactions among education stakeholders, many of whom have adopted graduation ceremonies as a growing tradition in schools across the state.
