Another Nigerian Governor Bans Graduation Ceremonies in Basic, Secondary Schools
- Just like Imo state, the Kogi government has banned graduation ceremonies in basic and secondary schools across the state
- Governor Usman Ododo-led government said the move is aimed at easing the financial burden on parents and guardians
- The state commissioner for education, Wemi Jones, confirmed this in a statement and shared further details on the new education policy
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
Kogi state, Lokoja - The Kogi state government led by Ahmed Usman Ododo, has banned graduation ceremonies in basic and secondary schools across the state.
Source: Facebook
This decision was announced by the state commissioner for education, Wemi Jones, during a meeting with critical stakeholders in the education sector on Wednesday, September 3, in Lokoja, the state capital.
Jones said:
“The practice of incessant graduation ceremonies in nursery, primary, and secondary schools is hereby prohibited in the state with immediate effect.”
Ban: To ease financial burden
As reported by The Punch, he stressed that the practice has become economically unaffordable, putting undue pressure on parents, and attracts social ills associated with such celebrations.
He emphasised that the ban is aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents and promoting a more meaningful approach to celebrating students’ achievements.
Source: Facebook
Kogi govt bans use of textbooks
The Ododo-led state government also introduced a new policy requiring parents to provide notebooks for their children to do classwork and assignments, rather than using textbooks converted to workbooks, especially in private schools.
The commissioner emphasised that the policy aims to make textbooks reusable by siblings of the same parents.
“The use of textbooks as workbooks, especially in private schools, must stop, and parents must provide separate notebooks for their children.
“We’ll introduce new celebration modalities to encourage competition and commitment to studies. No more social ills or undue pressure!
“We’ll also ensure students progress through required classes without jumping grades.
“Private school owners should note that writing mock exams is now a prerequisite for West African Examination Council registration,” Jones said.
The commissioner reiterated that the new policies would take immediate implementation across the state.
The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration to implementing the Kogi State Education Law introduced in 2020.
He urged stakeholders to support and cooperate with the ministry to ensure the full implementation of the new policies and the state education law.
Jones emphasised the need for private schools to adhere to the law and provide quality education services.
“We’ll work together to develop education, reduce out-of-school children, and ensure compliance with laws,” he said.
Imo bans nursery, JSS 3 graduation parties
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Ododo-led Kogi government made this decision after Imo state government, led by Governor Hope Uzodimma, banned graduation parties for nursery and Junior Secondary School (JSS 3) students, citing the financial burden such ceremonies place on parents and guardians.
The commissioner for education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, noted that only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School (SSS 3) students in Imo state are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies in line with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system.
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Adamawa education board bans marker day celebration
Similarly, Legit.ng reported that the Adamawa State Ministry of Education placed a strict ban on the "Maker Day" celebration by Senior Secondary Certificate Examination candidates.
Legit.ng gathered that the education board is taking actions to maintain the positive change in the sector to provide adequate learning skills and moral conduct, under the leadership of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
