The Ogun State Government has directed all public and private schools in the state to discontinue the organisation of graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties, warning that violators will face sanctions.
The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Department of Private Schools under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and addressed to administrators of public and non-state (private) schools through Zonal Education Officers.
According to the circular dated June 17, 2026, the government said some school administrators had allegedly begun extorting parents and guardians under the guise of organising graduation and end-of-session celebrations for learners.
The ministry noted that the practice contravenes resolutions reached during the 2025/2026 pre-resumption stakeholders’ meeting held in September 2025 at Lisabi Grammar School Hall, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta.
“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 the session party for the learners,” the circular stated.
The government further stated that it frowns on the organisation of graduation and end-of-session ceremonies for pupils and students in all classes across public and private schools in the state.
“Hence, no school owner should organise such gatherings forthwith,” the circular added.
The ministry warned that any school found to have contravened the directive would be sanctioned accordingly.
School administrators were also directed to give the circular wide publicity to ensure compliance.
The circular was signed by A.A. Bisiriyu, Director of Education (Private Schools), for the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
