By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
Abeokuta, Ogun State – The Ogun State Government has directed all public and private schools across the state to immediately halt the organization of graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties, citing concerns over the increasing financial burden placed on parents and guardians.
The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology through its Department of Private Schools and addressed to administrators of both public and non-state (private) schools. The circular, signed by the Director of Education (Private Schools), Mr. A.A. Bisiriyu, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, warned that schools found violating the directive would face sanctions.
According to the ministry, reports had reached government authorities indicating that some school administrators had begun collecting money from parents under the guise of organizing graduation ceremonies and end-of-session celebrations for learners. The ministry described the practice as exploitative and contrary to resolutions reached during the 2025/2026 pre-resumption stakeholders' meeting held at Lisabi Grammar School Hall, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, in September 2025.
The government noted that while schools often regard such events as a means of celebrating academic milestones, some institutions have allegedly transformed them into avenues for imposing unnecessary financial demands on families already grappling with economic challenges.
In the circular, the state government reiterated its position that graduation and end-of-session party ceremonies should not be organized for pupils across all classes in public and private schools. School proprietors and administrators were therefore instructed to discontinue the practice with immediate effect.
Education stakeholders have reacted to the directive with mixed feelings. While some parents welcomed the decision, arguing that it would reduce the financial pressure associated with multiple school levies, others expressed concerns that pupils may be denied opportunities to celebrate significant academic achievements.
A parent in Abeokuta, who spoke on condition of anonymity, praised the government's intervention, saying many schools had turned graduation ceremonies into expensive events that compelled parents to pay for clothing, souvenirs, entertainment and other activities.
However, some school operators believe that graduation ceremonies, when properly regulated, can serve as important moments of recognition and motivation for learners. They called on the government to engage stakeholders further to develop guidelines that would prevent exploitation while preserving the celebratory aspect of school life.
Despite the differing views, the Ogun State Government remains firm in its stance. The ministry emphasized that any school found contravening the directive would be sanctioned in accordance with existing regulations.
The circular also directed education officers to ensure that the information receives widespread publicity and that compliance is monitored across all schools in the state.
The development is expected to spark further debate within the education sector as stakeholders weigh the balance between celebrating academic accomplishments and protecting parents from excessive financial demands.
