No More Graduation Parties: Ogun Government Bans End-of-Year School Celebrations In Public And Private Schools
By Oludare Joshua
The Ogun State Government has directed all public and private schools across the state to immediately discontinue the organization of graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties.
The directive was contained in an official circular issued by the Department of Private Schools, Abeokuta, under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. The circular was addressed to administrators of both public and non-state (private) schools through the various Zonal Education Officers.
According to the ministry, the decision followed reports alleging that some school administrators had been imposing unauthorized levies on parents and guardians under the guise of organizing graduation ceremonies and end-of-session celebrations for pupils and students.
The government noted that such practices are inconsistent with resolutions reached during the 2025/2026 Pre-Resumption Stakeholders’ Meeting held in September 2025 at the Lisabi Grammar School Hall, Abeokuta.
Reaffirming its position, the ministry stressed that the Ogun State Government does not support the organization of graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties for learners in any class across both public and private schools in the state.
The circular stated: “The Ogun State Government frowns at the organization of graduation and end-of-session parties for pupils and students in all classes in public and private schools. Consequently, no school owner or administrator should organize such gatherings henceforth.”
The government further warned that any school found flouting the directive would be subjected to appropriate sanctions in accordance with existing regulations.
To ensure strict compliance, school administrators have been directed to give the circular the widest possible publicity among staff, parents, guardians, and other relevant stakeholders.
The circular was signed by A.A. Bisiriyu, Director of Education (Private Schools), on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
The development is expected to spark conversations among school proprietors, parents, guardians, and education stakeholders, as graduation ceremonies and end-of-session celebrations have become a common feature of school activities across Ogun State in recent years.
