Ogun State Government banned graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties in all public and private schools

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.

 

[Mrs Ene Achu]

 

[Mary Paul]

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Ogun Government Bans Graduation Ceremonies and End-of-Session Parties in Public and Private Schools

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 that some school administrators were allegedly extorting parents and guardians under the guise of organizing graduation and end-of-session celebrations for learners. The ministry noted that such actions are contrary to 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 frowns upon the organization of graduation and end-of-session parties for pupils and students in all classes across both public and private schools in the state.

“As a result, no school owner should organize such gatherings henceforth,” the ministry stated.

The government further warned that any school found violating the directive would face appropriate sanctions.

School administrators have also been instructed to give the circular the widest publicity possible to ensure compliance among stakeholders.

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 generate discussions among school owners, parents, and education stakeholders, as graduation ceremonies and end-of-session celebrations have become common practices in many schools across Ogun State.