The Kogi State Government has banned graduation ceremonies in basic and secondary schools across the state.
This decision was announced by the state Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, during a meeting with critical stakeholders in the education sector on Wednesday in Lokoja, the state capital.
Jones said, “The practice of incessant graduation ceremonies in nursery, primary, and secondary schools is hereby prohibited in the state with immediate effect.”
He stressed 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 state government also introduced a new policy requiring parents to provide notebooks for their children to do classwork and assignments, rather than using textbooks converted to workbooks, especially in private schools.
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 registration,” Jones said.
The commissioner reiterated that the new policies would take immediate implementation across the state.
The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of Governor 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.
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Jones 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.
The stakeholders at the meeting include: Local Government Education Secretaries, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), ANCOPPS, SUBEB, NAPTAN, among others.
PUNCH Online had reported that several Nigerian states and educational institutions have recently imposed bans on graduation and “signing-out” celebrations across various school levels, citing concerns over misconduct, vandalism, excessive spending, and moral decline.
On July 24, 2025, Sokoto State banned all signing-out celebrations for graduating secondary school students in public and private schools.
Imo State followed on August 18, banning graduation parties for kindergarten, nursery, and JSS-3 pupils, with support from the National Orientation Agency.
Ondo State prohibited graduation ceremonies for nursery, primary, and junior secondary schools on August 27 to reduce parental financial burdens.
Similarly, Edo State banned nursery and primary school graduations due to concerns over wasteful spending and misplaced priorities.
At the tertiary level, Nnamdi Azikiwe University banned final-year signing-off exam celebrations on August 20, and violators face disciplinary action.
Officials and education stakeholders argue these measures are necessary to restore decorum, address reckless behaviour such as shirt-scribbling and street parades, and prevent damage to school property.
The National Orientation Agency condemned indecent practices associated with these events and announced plans for a National Values Charter aimed at grassroots reorientation.
Kogi bans graduation ceremonies in basic, secondary schools
