Ondo, Osun, Ekiti Move to Ban Lavish School Graduation Ceremonies

September 20, 2025

By Adejumo David

Governments in Ondo, Ọṣun, and Èkìtì States have placed restrictions on graduation ceremonies in schools, in what officials describe as efforts to restore discipline and reduce financial pressure on parents.

In Ekiti State, the new policy which is ffective from the 2025/2026 academic session, prohibits graduation ceremonies for pupils in kindergarten, nursery, primary, and secondary schools. The state government said the measure was necessary to discourage unnecessary expenses and to ensure that academic focus is not overshadowed by social festivities.

The Osun State Government has also directed that public and private schools should no longer organize graduation ceremonies for pupils in kindergarten and nursery classes. Education authorities warned that any violation of the directive would attract sanctions.

In a similar move, the Ondo State Government has outlawed elaborate graduation celebrations, particularly for Junior Secondary School (JSS) and nursery pupils. Officials noted that schools were increasingly turning such events into flamboyant occasions, burdening parents with avoidable costs.

The three states emphasized that end-of-term or end-of-year class promotions remain the recognized academic practice, while graduation parties or elaborate ceremonies are unnecessary.

According to government officials, the clampdown is part of wider reforms aimed at improving educational standards, instilling discipline in schools, and easing the financial strain on parents already battling economic hardship.