Why we banned graduation ceremonies for nursery, JSS 3 students

The Ondo State Government has banned private schools from holding graduation ceremonies for nursery and Junior Secondary School (JSS) pupils, citing concerns over extravagance, exploitation of parents, and the need to regulate the education sector.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, during a meeting with private school proprietors from all 18 local government areas of the state.

Professor Ajibefun explained that the move is part of broader efforts to sanitize the education sector. Measures include outlawing unregistered schools, introducing re-accreditation for quality assurance, and banning elaborate graduation ceremonies for young pupils.

“Private schools play a critical role in education, but some practices have gotten out of hand. Extravagant graduations and compulsory textbook purchases put undue pressure on parents. These are urgent issues we need to address to restore standards in the sector,” Ajibefun said.

The commissioner added that illegally operating schools will be given a six-month grace period to obtain approval, with registration conditions soon to be simplified.

Ajibefun also warned schools against organising excursions without ministry clearance, prohibited compulsory extra lessons, and announced a new policy allowing pupils’ siblings to reuse textbooks, reducing yearly financial burdens on parents.

He further revealed plans to digitize all primary and secondary schools in the state, integrating pupils into the ministry’s digital platform for better monitoring and management.