The Ekiti State Government has announced a total ban on graduation ceremonies for pupils in nursery, primary, and secondary schools across the state.
The ban affects both public and private schools and is scheduled to take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.
The directive was issued in a circular signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Mike Omolayo, and circulated to all heads of schools in the state.
Why the ban was introduced
According to the circular, the government took the decision to reduce the financial burden that graduation events place on parents. Many families, it said, often go into debt or spend beyond their means to meet the demands of such elaborate ceremonies.
The government also pointed out that graduation parties, which were originally intended to be symbolic events, have now been turned into occasions of excess, with parents pressured to provide food, clothing, souvenirs, and decorations that go far beyond educational priorities.
By banning the practice, the government hopes to re-channel attention back to academic performance and discipline in schools rather than flamboyant social displays.
New textbook policy for schools
In addition to the ban, the government also announced changes to the state’s textbook policy. For primary schools, the system of reviewing core textbooks every six years will continue. However, in the case of secondary schools, the review cycle has now been extended from once in three years to once in four years.
This adjustment, the government explained, is part of efforts to ease financial stress on parents by ensuring that textbooks remain in use for longer periods. Families are encouraged to pass down books from older siblings to younger ones provided they are still in good condition.
Officials of the Ministry of Education assured parents and guardians that the new policy does not compromise quality. Instead, it is designed to promote affordability and sustainability in line with the government’s education reforms.