The Kogi State Government has restated its ban on lavish graduation ceremonies in nursery, primary, and junior secondary schools, warning that any school that disobeys the directive risks closure.
The policy also covers sign-out ceremonies by students in tertiary institutions across Kogi State.
The warning was given by the Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, during a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting on the 2025/2026 annual school census exercise held at the Government House in Lokoja.
He explained that the restriction was introduced to reduce financial pressure on parents, noting that graduation parties have spread to even very early school transitions such as nursery to primary and primary to junior secondary levels.
According to the policy, only students completing Senior Secondary School 3 and moving on to higher institutions are allowed to hold a formal celebration in the form of a Speech and Prize Giving Day.
The government said other forms of graduation celebrations at lower levels are not permitted.
The commissioner warned that schools organising such events for pupils in nursery, primary, or junior secondary classes are violating state regulations and would face sanctions, including possible closure.
He added that enforcement has already begun, with official letters sent to schools across the state and monitoring visits carried out within and outside Lokoja to ensure compliance. He also said the directive has been repeatedly announced through radio channels to ensure wide awareness.
The government further stressed that schools must comply fully as monitoring will continue, and offenders will be made examples to discourage others.
On safety in schools, the state government also said it has introduced measures aimed at protecting students from security threats and preventing attacks on learning institutions.
The meeting also focused on preparations for the 2025/2026 Annual School Census, which the Ministry of Education said will provide accurate data for planning in the new academic session.
The policy was first introduced in 2025 and has now been reinforced ahead of the new academic year under the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
0 Comments
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed on this platform as comments were freely made by each person under his or her own volition or responsibility and were neither suggested nor dictated by the owners of News PLATFORM or any of their contracted staff. So we take no liability whatsoever for such comments.
Please take note!