The Ogun State Government has directed all public and private schools across the state to stop organising graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties, citing growing concerns over the financial pressure such events place on parents and guardians.
The directive was issued through a circular released by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and signed by the Director of Education (Private Schools), A.A. Bisiriyu.
According to the government, the decision takes immediate effect and applies to all categories of schools and classes across the state.
Authorities explained that the move followed reports alleging that some school administrators had turned graduation ceremonies and end-of-session celebrations into compulsory activities, placing financial demands on parents through various charges and contributions.
In the circular dated June 17 and addressed to administrators of public and private schools, the ministry warned that any school found violating the directive would face sanctions under existing regulations.
The ministry stated that complaints had emerged over cases where parents and guardians were allegedly being compelled to make payments under the guise of organising school celebrations.
Government officials noted that such practices go against resolutions reached during the 2025/2026 pre-resumption stakeholders’ meeting held in September 2025 at Lisabi Grammar School Hall in Abeokuta.
The circular stressed that the state government does not support the organisation of graduation and end-of-session ceremonies across all school categories and directed school owners to discontinue such activities immediately.
School administrators were also instructed to ensure the directive is properly communicated to teachers, parents, and relevant stakeholders to guarantee full compliance.
The decision comes as schools in Ogun State approach the end of the 2025/2026 academic session, which is expected to conclude by mid-July.
The latest measure follows an earlier government policy introduced in late 2025 restricting graduation ceremonies for pre-basic and kindergarten pupils while permitting such events only for pupils completing Primary Six, Junior Secondary School Three (JSS3), and Senior Secondary School Three (SS3).
Ogun joins several other states including Ekiti, Imo, Edo, Ebonyi, and Benue that have introduced similar restrictions aimed at reducing financial pressure on families and addressing concerns over exploitative practices in schools.
Graduation ceremonies and end-of-session celebrations have become increasingly common in many schools, especially private institutions, where parents often contribute towards venue decoration, entertainment, graduation attire, photography, awards, and other associated costs.
While some families see the celebrations as opportunities to reward students and mark educational milestones, critics argue that rising costs have created unnecessary pressure on households amid current economic realities.
The Ogun State Government maintained that the directive is intended to promote discipline within the education sector and ensure schools remain focused on their core responsibility of delivering quality education.