The Government of Kogi State has reaffirmed its strict ban on extravagant graduation ceremonies in nursery, primary, and junior secondary schools across the state, warning that any school that violates the directive risks being shut down.
The government also maintained its prohibition of sign-out celebrations by undergraduates after their final semester examinations in tertiary institutions within the state.
The warning was issued by the Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, during a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting held at the Government House in Lokoja as part of preparations for the 2025/2026 Annual School Census exercise.
According to him, the policy was introduced at the beginning of the current academic session to reduce financial pressure on parents and curb unnecessary spending linked to school celebrations.
He expressed concern that graduation ceremonies have become excessive, noting that some schools now organise parties even for pupils transitioning from nursery to primary school.
The commissioner clarified that formal graduation ceremonies are only permitted for students completing Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) and moving on to tertiary education.
He explained that such occasions should be limited to traditional Speech and Prize Giving Day ceremonies, where invited guests address students and outstanding learners are recognised for their achievements.
“Graduation ceremonies for pupils moving from nursery to primary one, primary six to JSS1, or JSS3 to SSS1 are not allowed under the state’s education policy,” he said.
Jones further warned that schools violating the directive are placing unnecessary financial burden on parents, stressing that enforcement measures are already in place. He noted that official letters have been sent to schools across the state, and monitoring visits have been conducted within and outside Lokoja to ensure compliance.
He added that the directive has also been widely communicated through radio announcements to ensure that no school can claim ignorance of the policy.
“Nobody can say they are not aware. Any school that fails to comply will be made an example of, including possible closure,” he warned.
On school safety, the commissioner assured stakeholders that the government has strengthened security strategies to protect students from abduction and other threats, stating that efforts are ongoing to ensure a safe learning environment.
The meeting also addressed preparations for the upcoming 2025/2026 Annual School Census, which the Ministry of Education said will provide reliable data to support planning and policy decisions for the new academic session.
The Kogi State Government had earlier, in September 2025, announced a statewide ban on excessive graduation ceremonies in pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools, as well as sign-out celebrations in tertiary institutions.
Community Join the conversation Open discussion +