Ogun bans graduation ceremonies, parties in public, private schools

By Samuel Solomon

The Ogun State Government has directed all public and private schools across the state to discontinue graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties, citing concerns over alleged financial pressure on parents and guardians.

The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and signed by the Director of Education (Private Schools), A.A. Bisiriyu, according to statements available to pressmen.

The circular, dated June 17, and addressed to all administrators of public and private schools, ordered immediate compliance and warned that violators would face sanctions.

According to press reports, on Thursday, the ministry said the decision followed reports that some school administrators were allegedly extorting 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 stressed that such practices were no longer acceptable in the education sector.

“Therefore, it is pertinent to state that, the State Government frowns at organising Graduation/End of Session Party ceremony in all classes in both Public and Non-State (Private) schools in the State. Hence, no school owner should organise such gatherings forthwith,” it added.

The ministry also directed school administrators to widely publicise the directive among parents and stakeholders to ensure full compliance.