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 (JSS 3), and Senior Secondary School Three (SS 3).

The state’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, said the decision aims to curb the growing culture of excesses often associated with school graduation parties.

Speaking on the state’s preparedness for the 2024/2025 academic session, Prof. Arigbabu explained that the directive was necessary to promote moderation and ease the financial burden on parents.

“Graduation ceremonies should be modest and reflect true academic milestones rather than turn into lavish social events,” he said, expressing concern that elaborate celebrations for nursery, kindergarten, and other non-transition classes had placed undue pressure on parents while distracting from the core essence of education.

In addition, the government directed that schools must strictly adhere to a six-year cycle before effecting any change in textbooks.

Prof. Arigbabu said no school is permitted to alter prescribed books until such materials have been in use for at least six academic years, stressing that frequent changes have worsened the financial strain on parents.

“Quality education does not depend on frequent textbook changes but on effective teaching and proper use of available resources,” he noted, warning that schools that impose unnecessary book changes would face sanctions.

The commissioner assured that the ministry would monitor compliance closely, adding that the policy aligns with the state’s broader reforms to make education more 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 learners and their families.