The Ogun State Government has banned extravagant graduation ceremonies in schools, restricting official celebrations to only three major academic transition points — the end of primary school, junior secondary school, and senior secondary school.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, announced the new directive on Thursday while addressing journalists on the state’s readiness for the 2024/2025 academic session.
According to him, the move was designed to curb the culture of excesses and financial pressure that elaborate graduation parties have placed on parents.
“Graduation ceremonies should be modest and reflect true academic milestones, rather than turning into lavish social events,” Arigbabu said. He criticised the growing trend of organising grand celebrations for nursery, kindergarten, or other non-transition classes, noting that such practices diverted attention from the core purpose of education.
In the same briefing, the commissioner also declared that all schools in Ogun State must adhere to a new six-year textbook policy. Under the rule, no prescribed textbook may be changed until it has been in use for at least six academic sessions.
Arigbabu explained that the measure was meant to ease the financial strain on parents, many of whom are often forced to purchase new textbooks every session. “Quality education does not depend on frequent textbook changes but on effective teaching and the proper use of available resources,” he stated, warning that schools that violate the directive would face sanctions.
He assured that the ministry would strictly monitor compliance and emphasised that both policies form part of the state government’s wider education reforms aimed at making learning more affordable and impactful.
The commissioner appealed for the cooperation of parents, school administrators, and teachers, stressing that the reforms were in the best interest of learners and families.
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