​Ogun Bans Non-Terminal Graduation Ceremonies, Extravagant Displays in Public and Private Schools

​ABEOKUTA – In a decisive move to protect parents and guardians from rising and unnecessary financial pressures, the Ogun State Government has announced a total ban on graduation ceremonies for non-terminal classes in both public and private schools across the state.

​According to an official circular from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, dated June 18, 2026, and signed by Bisiriyu, A.A, the Director of Education (Private Schools) on behalf of the Permanent Secretary (referenced verbatim from the official document 1002816629.jpg), the government considers graduation events for nursery, kindergarten, and other non-terminal arms to be completely unnecessary.

​The state directive explicitly mandates that end-of-session graduation activities must be strictly restricted to learners who are completing a recognized milestone stage of their education. These recognized terminal stages are limited exclusively to:

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• ​Primary Six
• ​Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3)
• ​Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS 3)

​Zero Tolerance for Extravagance and Levies

​The government’s directive strikes hard at the increasingly commercialized and flamboyant nature of modern school graduation events. According to the document 1002816629.jpg, the Ministry has placed an outright prohibition on the use of canopies, “Aso Ebi” (uniform cultural attire), customized apparel, and any other form of extravagant social display during these ceremonies.

​Crucially, for the approved terminal classes (Primary 6, JSS 3, and SSS 3), the state government has ordered that all ceremonies must be conducted in a highly modest manner. The Ministry stressed that these events must attract no financial cost whatsoever to learners, parents, or guardians.

​Instead of hosting elaborate, high-budget social events that place undue economic burdens on families, the state advises school administrators and proprietors to redirect their focus toward academic recognition and character development.

​Strict Enforcement and Sanctions

​The circular, with reference number PRVS 426/5, has been sent to all School Administrators, Proprietors, and Heads of both Public and Non-State (Private) Schools through the state’s Zonal Education Officers.

​The Ministry has instructed all school authorities to give the directive the widest possible publicity among their staff and parent bodies to ensure total compliance. The state government warned that any institution, public or private, found violating these guidelines will face strict sanctions in accordance with the regulatory framework governing school operations in Ogun State.