The Ogun state government has banned extravagant graduation ceremonies across schools in the state, restricting such celebrations to pupils completing Primary Six, Junior Secondary School Three, and Senior Secondary School Three.
The government said the decision was aimed at curbing the rising culture of excesses often associated with graduation parties at other levels.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the state’s preparedness for the 2024/2025 academic session.
He explained that the directive became necessary to promote moderation and reduce the financial burden on parents.
“Graduation ceremonies should be modest and reflect true academic milestones, rather than turning into lavish social events”, he said.
Similarly, the state government directed that all schools must strictly adhere to a six-year cycle before effecting any change in textbooks, warning that schools that impose unnecessary book changes would face sanctions.
“Quality education does not depend on frequent textbook changes but on effective teaching and the proper use of available resources,” he noted.
The commissioner assured that the ministry would monitor compliance closely, stressing that the policy aligns with the state’s broader reforms to make education affordable and impactful.
He urged parents, school administrators, and teachers to support the initiative, assuring them that the decision was in the best interest of both learners and families.