The Kogi State Government has reiterated its ban on extravagant graduation ceremonies in nursery, primary, and junior secondary schools, warning that any institution found violating the directive risks immediate closure.
The government also reaffirmed its prohibition of sign-out celebrations by students of tertiary institutions across the state.
The Commissioner for Education, Mr. Wemi Jones, issued the warning on Monday during a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting on the 2025/2026 Kogi State Annual School Census held at the Government House in Lokoja.
According to the commissioner, the policy was introduced at the beginning of the current academic session to ease the financial burden placed on parents by unnecessary graduation activities.
Jones expressed concern over the growing trend of organizing elaborate ceremonies for pupils transitioning from one class level to another, particularly from nursery to primary education.
He stressed that only students graduating from Senior Secondary School Three (SSS3) are permitted to hold a formal ceremony, which should take the form of a Speech and Prize-Giving Day aimed at celebrating academic excellence and preparing students for higher education.
He explained that ceremonies for pupils moving from nursery to primary school, primary six to junior secondary school, or junior secondary school to senior secondary school remain prohibited under state regulations.
“The pressure these celebrations place on parents is enormous. Schools must comply with the directive and avoid creating unnecessary financial demands on families,” he said.
The commissioner noted that the government has already communicated the directive to schools through official letters and public sensitisation campaigns, including media engagements and visits to educational institutions across the state.
He warned that ignorance would not be accepted as an excuse, adding that any school found flouting the directive would face strict sanctions, including possible closure.
On security, Jones assured stakeholders that the state government has implemented measures to safeguard students and educational institutions from threats such as abduction and other security challenges.
He stated that proactive strategies are being deployed to ensure the safety of learners and create a secure environment for education across the state.
The meeting also focused on preparations for the 2025/2026 Annual School Census, which is expected to provide accurate data for effective planning and policy implementation in the education sector.
It would be recalled that the Kogi State Government first announced the ban on frequent graduation ceremonies and sign-out activities in September 2025 as part of efforts to promote discipline and reduce financial pressure on parents and guardians.
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