Ogun Ends Extravagant Graduation Parties, Stops Frequent Textbook Changes

 

The Ogun State Government has directed the immediate stoppage of the extravagant graduation ceremonies across schools in the state.

It, however, restricted such celebrations to only pupils completing their Primary Six, Junior Secondary School Three (JSS 3), and Senior Secondary School Three (SSS 3).

State’s Education, Science and Technology Commissioner, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, who issued the directive while speaking on the state’s preparedness for the 2024/2025 academic session, said the decision aims to curb the growing culture of excesses often associated with school graduation parties.

Arigbabu explained that the directive was necessary to promote moderation and ease the financial burden on parents.

“Graduation ceremonies should be modest and reflect true academic milestones rather than turn into lavish social events,” he said, expressing concern that elaborate celebrations for nursery, kindergarten, and other non-transition classes had placed undue pressure on parents while distracting from the core essence of education.

Meanwhile, the state government has also mandated the schools to strictly adhere to a six-year cycle before effecting any change in textbooks.

Arigbabu said no school is permitted to alter prescribed books until such materials have been in use for at least six academic years.

According to him, the frequent changes have worsened the financial strain on parents.

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

The commissioner while warning that schools that impose unnecessary book changes would face sanctions, assured that the ministry will monitor compliance closely, adding that the policy aligns with the state’s broader reforms to make education more affordable and impactful.

He urged parents, school administrators, and teachers to support the initiative, assuring them that the decision was in the best interest of learners and their families.