The Ogun State Government has directed all public and private schools across the state to immediately put an end to graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties, citing concerns over alleged financial pressure on parents and guardians.
Premium Times Nigeria reports on Thursday, that the directive was contained in a circular dated June 17, issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and signed by the Director of Education (Private Schools), A.A. Bisiriyu.
The circular addressed to all public and private schools’ administrators, ordered immediate compliance, warning that violators would face sanctions.
The ministry said the decision followed reports that some schools were allegedly extorting parents under the guise of organising graduation and end-of-session celebrations, stressing that such practices were no longer acceptable in the education sector.
“It has been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some administrators of both public and non-state (private) schools have started extorting parents/guardians under the disguise of organising graduation/end-of-session parties for learners”.
“Therefore, it is pertinent to state that, the State Government frowns at organising Graduation/End of Session Party ceremony in all classes in both Public and Non-State (Private) schools in the State. Hence, no school owner should organise such gatherings forthwith,” the circular stated.
The ministry also directed school administrators to widely publicise the directive among parents and stakeholders to ensure full compliance.
The Ogun government maintained that any school found violating its directive would be sanctioned in accordance with applicable regulations.
