In a noteworthy move aimed at reshaping school culture and financial priorities, the Ekiti State Government has officially prohibited graduation ceremonies for pupils in kindergarten, nursery, primary, and secondary schools. This decision, first publicized on the state government’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account, is set to take full effect with the 2025/2026 academic session, impacting all public and private educational institutions across the state.
Background and Motivation for the Ban
According to the official statement released by the Ekiti State Ministry of Education, the ban emerges from extensive concerns over the increasing scale and cost of school graduation celebrations. The government asserts that many families are burdened by the financial expectations these ceremonies create, as parents are often obliged to purchase expensive outfits, pay for decorations, and organize elaborate parties. Officials further emphasized that the primary focus of these celebrations has shifted away from academic achievement and towards pageantry and social display.
Dr. Olabisi Arogundade, a senior official in the ministry, elaborated, “Our objective is to refocus resources on genuine learning and ease unnecessary spending pressures on families. The essence of education in Ekiti is not about extravagant events, but about providing quality foundational knowledge.” This sentiment was echoed in interviews with several teachers and parents, many of whom welcomed the move as a relief from yearly expenses during graduation season.
Understanding the Policy Details
Under the new directive, no public or private school in Ekiti State may organize or participate in formal graduation or send-off ceremonies for any class below tertiary level, starting in the 2025/2026 academic year. Instead, students are simply to progress to the next stage of education without elaborate parties or additional ceremonies.
The Ministry further encouraged school administrators to channel efforts into core academic activities—such as science fairs, debates, and literacy campaigns—arguing that these offer greater educational value without the social and economic strain caused by lavish graduations. Mrs. Adedayo Ayodeji, the principal of a well-known private school in Ado-Ekiti, noted, “Many schools felt compelled to keep up with trends even if parents struggled to afford it. This will help level the playing field.”
Reforming Textbook Policies: A New Chapter for Ekiti Schools
In a companion measure, Ekiti State also revealed a sweeping overhaul of its textbook review and replacement policies for all schools. Effective immediately, the new guideline stipulates that textbooks in primary schools may only be changed once every six years, while secondary schools can update their recommended books once in four years.
This reform aims to address persistent complaints from parents about the constant pressure to purchase new textbooks—often with minimal changes in content. According to Mr. Babatunde Ogundele, a member of the Ekiti State Book Review Committee, “The goal is to ensure sustainability and reduce unnecessary expenses for families. By standardizing the review cycle, we encourage reusability and prevent waste.” He also cited positive models from other African countries where stable textbook cycles have lowered school expenses and contributed to a more equitable education system.
Sanctions and Enforcement of the New Rules
The government has clearly stated that any school that fails to comply with these directives—whether by organizing unauthorized graduations or ignoring textbook review cycles—will face sanctions as determined by the Ministry of Education. While the specific nature of penalties has not yet been detailed, past examples from other states suggest possible fines, withdrawal of licenses, or even temporary school closures for repeated noncompliance.
Legal analyst Barrister Tunde Olaniyan commented, “Policy enforcement in Nigeria often faces hurdles, but published guidelines, inspections, and community involvement can drive compliance. If the Ministry communicates effectively and sets up monitoring, sanctions can be both fair and impactful.”
Ekiti Joins a Growing Trend in Nigeria
Ekiti is not alone in implementing these types of reforms. In recent years, a number of Nigerian states—including Imo, Edo, Ogun, Ondo, and Abia—have announced bans on graduation parties in schools. The common thread: a desire to minimize the pressure on parents, stop commercialization of school traditions, and refocus on academics. Analysts cite similar efforts in parts of Ghana and other West African countries, although policies vary widely by region and school type.
“This could create a domino effect,” noted University of Ibadan education researcher Ms. Edna Chukwu. “Parents frequently complain about the ostentation and expense of graduation parties. As more states introduce these bans, there is growing consensus that schooling should remain affordable and accessible to all.”
Challenges and Local Reactions
Despite the government’s intentions, reactions across Ekiti have been mixed. While many parents express relief, some teachers and students feel disappointed at losing out on a moment of celebration and recognition for hard work. “Graduation day was special for my daughter,” said Mrs. Sola Akintoye, whose youngest child will complete primary school next year. “However, I understand the reasons, and we can always celebrate as a family.”
Critics also warn that strict policy enforcement must not override the importance of motivating students to reach educational milestones. Dr. Yinka Aluko, an education consultant based in Lagos, urged schools to find new, low-cost ways to encourage achievement. “Certificates, scholarships, community recognition—these can all be powerful motivators even without the pageantry,” he suggested.
Comparative Perspective: What Other Countries Do
Across Africa, graduation ceremonies for non-tertiary students vary. In Ghana, for instance, some schools hold simple send-offs, often subsidized by the school itself, to minimize parent expense. In South Africa, “Valedictory” events for school leavers tend to be more modest than the elaborate parties sometimes seen in Nigeria.
International education specialists point out that graduation ceremonies at the primary or junior secondary level are not standard worldwide, and where they do exist, they are typically low-budget affairs organized by teachers with minimal cost to parents. This global context supports the argument for minimizing unnecessary educational expenses, as the focus in most countries is squarely on academic achievement and access to learning resources.
Looking Ahead: Will the Ban Achieve its Goals?
As the 2025/2026 academic year approaches, educators, parents, and policy-makers in Ekiti—and potentially neighboring states—will watch closely to see how the ban is implemented and received. Will it truly ease financial burdens and encourage a shift back to quality education? How will schools adapt to maintain student motivation and a sense of accomplishment? Will other states follow Ekiti’s example, or will new compromises emerge?
The broader lesson might be that, as school systems across Nigeria and West Africa continue to evolve, policies that focus on equity and sustainability are increasingly gaining ground. Dialogue between parents, teachers, and officials will remain essential to ensure education remains both meaningful and accessible for every child.
What do you think about Ekiti State’s decision to ban elaborate graduation ceremonies and standardize textbook changes in schools? Have you experienced pressures around school celebrations or costs? Drop your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Follow us for the latest updates on education policies in Nigeria and beyond!
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