The Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has directed all public and private schools across the state to immediately discontinue the organization of graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties.
The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Department of Private Schools, Abeokuta, and addressed to administrators of both public and non-state (private) schools through Zonal Education Officers.
According to the ministry, reports had reached the government indicating that some school administrators were allegedly extorting parents and guardians through charges imposed for graduation ceremonies and end-of-session celebrations. The ministry stated that such practices are inconsistent with resolutions reached during the 2025/2026 pre-resumption stakeholders’ meeting held in September 2025 at Lisabi Grammar School Hall, Abeokuta.
The circular emphasized that the Ogun State Government strongly disapproves of the organization of graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties for pupils and students across all classes in both public and private schools.
“As a result, no school owner should organize such gatherings henceforth,” the ministry stated.
The government warned that any school found violating the directive would face appropriate sanctions.
School administrators have also been instructed to ensure the circular receives wide publicity among parents, guardians, teachers, and other stakeholders to guarantee full compliance.
The circular was signed by A.A. Bisiriyu, Director of Education (Private Schools), on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
The development is expected to spark debate among school proprietors, parents, and education stakeholders, as graduation ceremonies and end-of-session celebrations have become common traditions in many schools across Ogun State. While some stakeholders may welcome the move as a way to reduce financial pressure on parents, others may argue that such events serve as important milestones in the academic journey of students.
As reactions continue to emerge, the state government has made it clear that compliance with the directive is mandatory for all schools operating within Ogun State.
Welcome development