Graduation ceremonies have become a major highlight for many pupils and parents. But in Niger State, private schools will no longer be allowed to organise them.
The Niger Private Schools Board has directed all private schools in the state to stop conducting graduation ceremonies with immediate effect.
Instead, schools are expected to celebrate learners through speech and prize-giving ceremonies, which will now serve as the approved platform for recognising academic excellence, leadership, exemplary conduct and other outstanding achievements.
The directive was announced in a statement by the Director of Information Services at the Niger State Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mr Yunusa Ibrahim, on Tuesday in Minna.
According to the statement, the policy applies to all private school proprietors, administrators, management teams, parents, guardians and other stakeholders in the state’s private education sector.
The board said the decision is aimed at promoting uniformity in end-of-session activities, preserving the educational value of school celebrations, strengthening regulation of private schools and discouraging extravagant events.
It also hopes to encourage schools to place greater emphasis on academic achievement and character development.
The board clarified that schools are not prohibited from celebrating their learners or recognising outstanding performance.
Instead, speech and prize-giving ceremonies will continue to provide opportunities to present certificates, reward academic excellence, honour students with exemplary behaviour and leadership qualities, and showcase pupils’ achievements.
Explaining the reason for the new policy, Ibrahim said graduation ceremonies in some private schools have become increasingly expensive over the years, placing financial pressure on many parents and guardians.
“Graduation ceremonies in some private schools have become increasingly elaborate and expensive in recent years, resulting in high financial demands on parents and guardians, and unnecessary competition among schools.
“This is a shift from the educational purpose of end-of-session activities and has led to the commercialisation of school celebrations.”
He added that the board, alongside the Ministry of Information and Orientation and other stakeholders, will begin public awareness campaigns across the state to ensure schools and parents understand and comply with the directive.
The state government also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting quality education, protecting the interests of learners and parents, and ensuring that school activities reflect acceptable educational standards and best practices.
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