The Ekiti State Government has banned graduation ceremonies for pupils in kindergarten, nursery, primary and secondary schools across the state.
The policy, which affects both public and private schools, will take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session. It was announced via the state government’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
According to the government, the decision is aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents who are often compelled to fund elaborate end-of-session parties. It urged schools to prioritise academic development and focus on raising educational standards rather than engaging in flamboyant celebrations.
The government said the policy was introduced to restore sanity in the academic environment and ensure that schools concentrate on their primary mandate of teaching and learning.
In a related development, the government also unveiled a revised Book Review Policy to regulate the frequency of textbook changes in schools. Under the new guidelines, primary schools are permitted to change textbooks once every six years, while secondary schools can do so once every four years, an adjustment from the previous three year cycle.
The policy, according to the government, is intended to promote sustainability in the use of educational resources and ensure uniformity in curriculum implementation across schools in the state.
Parents and guardians have been encouraged to pass on textbooks in good condition to younger siblings, as part of efforts to reduce unnecessary expenses on educational materials.
The Ministry of Education has warned that any school that fails to comply with the new directives will face sanctions.
With this move, Ekiti joins the growing list of states that have outlawed graduation ceremonies in schools. Other states that have implemented similar bans include Imo, Edo, Ogun, Ondo and Abia.
The government maintained that the new measures are part of broader reforms to reposition the education sector and refocus schools on academic excellence.
