No More Graduation Ceremonies in Ekiti Schools, Says Government
The Ekiti State government has announced a total ban on graduation ceremonies in all public and private schools across the state. This new policy applies to pupils in kindergarten, nursery, primary, and secondary schools, and will take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.
The announcement was made in a circular by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mike Omolayo, who explained that the decision is in line with Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration’s policy of shared prosperity. The aim, he said, is to reduce the financial burden on parents and prevent the social problems often associated with elaborate graduation events.
Omolayo noted that the practice of purchasing new textbooks every session will also be adjusted. Under the new directive, siblings will now be allowed to pass down textbooks to their younger ones, provided the books remain in good condition. This is meant to help parents cut costs and ease the pressure of constant book purchases.
The circular further explained that book reviews for primary schools will remain once every six years, while that of secondary schools has been adjusted from once every three years to once every four years. These reviews are subject to changes by the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).
According to the government, the move is not only a financial relief measure but also an effort to shift focus back to learning and discipline rather than social celebrations that often come with extra costs for families.
This new policy in Ekiti follows similar decisions taken recently by other states, including Ondo State, which also banned graduation ceremonies in their schools to curb unnecessary spending and reduce parental stress.
By eliminating these ceremonies and allowing the reuse of textbooks, the Ekiti government says it is reaffirming its commitment to education policies that put children’s learning and parents’ welfare first.
The ban is expected to reshape the end-of-session culture in Ekiti schools, replacing flashy events with a stronger focus on academic progress.
