In a bid to promote moderation and ease financial pressure on parents, the Ogun State Government has banned extravagant graduation ceremonies across schools in the state.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, announced the directive while briefing journalists on the state’s preparedness for the 2024/2025 academic session. He said graduation celebrations would henceforth be limited to pupils completing Primary Six, Junior Secondary School Three (JSS3), and Senior Secondary School Three (SS3).

Arigbabu expressed concern over the growing trend of elaborate parties for nursery, kindergarten, and other non-transition classes, warning that such practices have placed unnecessary financial burdens on parents and shifted focus away from education.

“Graduation ceremonies should reflect true academic milestones, not turn into lavish social events,” he said.

In the same briefing, the commissioner directed that all schools in the state must adhere to a six-year cycle before effecting any change in textbooks.

He emphasized that frequent book changes were unnecessary and exploitative, adding that erring schools would face sanctions.

“Quality education does not depend on frequent textbook changes but on effective teaching and proper use of resources,” he stressed.

The ministry, he said, will monitor compliance closely as part of ongoing reforms to make education more affordable and impactful.

 Arigbabu urged parents, school administrators, and teachers to support the initiative, assuring them that the measures are designed in the best interest of learners and their families.