The Ogun State Government has banned graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties in all public and private schools across the state, citing concerns over alleged financial pressure on parents and guardians.
In a circular dated June 17 and signed by the Director of Education (Private Schools), A.A. Bisiriyu, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology directed all school administrators to discontinue such events with immediate effect.
According to the ministry, reports indicated that some schools had allegedly been collecting excessive fees from parents under the guise of organising graduation and end-of-session celebrations.
“It has been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some administrators of both public and non-state (private) schools have started extorting parents/guardians under the disguise of organising graduation/end-of-session parties for learners,” the circular stated.
The government said it frowns on the practice and ordered school owners to publicise the directive among parents and stakeholders to ensure compliance. Authorities also warned that any school found violating the directive would face sanctions in line with existing regulations.
The move follows similar restrictions in states including Kogi, Benue, Ondo, Osun and Imo, where governments have introduced measures aimed at reducing financial burdens associated with graduation-related ceremonies.
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