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LAGOS – The Kogi State Government has banned incessant graduation ceremonies in basic and secondary schools across the state, in a bid to reforming the education sector.
This decision was announced by the State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, during a meeting with critical stakeholders in the education sector on Wednesday in Lokoja.
The state government also placed a ban on signing-out ceremonies in tertiary institutions within and outside the State.
According to Jones, the practice of incessant graduation ceremonies in nursery, primary, and secondary schools is hereby prohibited in the state with immediate effect.
Jones noted that the practice has become economically unaffordable, putting undue pressure on parents, and attracts social ills associated with such celebrations.
He emphasised that the ban is aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents and promoting a more meaningful approach to celebrating students’ achievements.
The government has also introduced a new policy requiring parents to provide separate notebooks for their children’s classwork and assignments, rather than using textbooks as workbooks.
The commissioner emphasised that the policy aims to make textbooks reusable by siblings of the same parents.
“The use of textbooks as workbooks especially in private schools must stop, and parents must provide separate notebooks for their children.
“We’ll introduce new celebration modalities to encourage competition and commitment to studies. No more social ills or undue pressure.
“We’ll also ensure students progress through required classes without jumping grades.
“Private school owners should note that writing mock exams is now a prerequisite for West African Examination Council (WAEC) registration,” Jones said.
The commissioner reiterated that the new policies would take immediate implementation across the state.
He restated the commitment of Gov. Ahmed Ododo’s administration to implementing the Kogi State Education Law introduced in 2020.
He urged stakeholders to support and cooperate with the Ministry to ensure the full implementation of the new policies and the state education law.
The Commissioner emphasised the need for private schools to adhere to the law and provide quality education services.
“We’ll work together to develop education, reduce out-of-school children, and ensure compliance with laws,” he said.
He called for moderate school fees by private schools, while providing quality education services, to transform education in Kogi.
The stakeholders at the meeting commended the ministry for its commitment to developing education in the state and assured the government of their continuous support.
They, however, called for the employment of more teachers in public schools and the setting up of a committee to regulate textbooks in compliance with state education standards.
Dignitaries at the meeting include: Local Government Education Secretaries, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), ANCOPPS, SUBEB, NAPTAN, among others.