The federal government has introduced new rules restricting school graduation ceremonies to final-year classes, in a move aimed at curbing rising education-related costs for families.
Under the policy announced on Friday, only pupils completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) will be permitted to hold formal graduation ceremonies.
The decision effectively ends the widespread practice of organising graduations for lower classes, a trend officials say has placed unnecessary financial pressure on parents.
The measures were unveiled by the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suiwaba Sai’d.
Alausa, and Sai'd explained graduation events in many schools had become increasingly commercialised, with parents often required to pay for gowns, souvenirs, photographs and multiple ceremonies within a single academic year.
According to the ministers, the new guidelines form part of a broader reform agenda designed to make schooling more affordable and to shift attention back to teaching and learning rather than ceremonial displays.
They said streamlining graduation ceremonies would complement other cost-saving initiatives in the education sector, including adjustments to textbook usage and academic planning.
The reforms, they added, are intended to allow learning materials to be reused across academic sessions, reducing recurring expenses for households.
The government has also rolled out a uniform academic calendar nationwide to improve consistency in teaching and school planning, while discouraging practices that add to the financial burden on families.
Reiterating its commitment to education reform, the ministry said the graduation restrictions were aimed at resetting priorities within schools, lowering avoidable costs and refocusing the system on academic outcomes.
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