The Ogun State Government has announced a ban on graduation ceremonies for pupils in kindergarten and nursery schools across the state.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists on preparations for the 2024/2025 academic session.

He explained that graduation ceremonies would now only be allowed for pupils completing Primary Six, Junior Secondary School Three (JSS3), and Senior Secondary School Three (SS3).

According to the commissioner, the move is designed to discourage the culture of excess associated with graduation events at non-transition levels, which often impose unnecessary financial burdens on parents. He emphasized that ceremonies should mark genuine academic milestones, not serve as extravagant social occasions.

Several states, including Imo, Edo, Ebonyi, and Benue, have already introduced similar restrictions to curb exploitative practices by some school proprietors and reduce pressure on families.

Prof. Arigbabu further directed that schools must adhere to a minimum six-year cycle before changing textbooks, stressing that frequent alterations to booklists are unjustifiable and financially draining for parents.

“Quality education does not depend on constant textbook changes but on effective teaching and proper use of existing resources,” he stated.

He warned that any school found imposing needless textbook changes would face sanctions, adding that the ministry would strictly monitor compliance.

The commissioner assured parents, teachers, and administrators that the new policies were in the best interest of pupils and families, urging stakeholders to support the initiative.