- Nursery/KG graduation ceremonies banned to reduce cost burden,
- Schools must use approved textbooks for at least three years,
- Private, faith-based, and public schools all affected
Osun State government has prohibited nursery graduation parties and introduced strict policies on textbook usage in all schools.
According to Eko Hot Blog, the Osun State Ministry of Education issued a directive signed by the Permanent Secretary, M.A.K. Jimoh, ordering all public, private, and faith-based schools to stop holding graduation ceremonies for nursery and kindergarten pupils. The circular said the practice places unnecessary financial strain on parents and takes away valuable instructional time.
EDITOR’S PICK
- I Have Approved All Resident Doctors’ Demands in Abuja – Wike
- Lagos Orders Immediate Suspension of All Land Reclamation Projects
- Lions Club Donates 100 Renovated Desks to Army Children High Schools, Epe
The new policy states that only pupils completing Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School (SSS) 3 are eligible for graduation ceremonies. This change is effective immediately, and any school found violating it will face sanctions from the state education authorities.
In addition, a textbook policy has been enforced. Schools are now required to use textbooks from a government-approved list.
Every approved textbook must remain in use for a minimum of “three years”, so that resources are maximized, and younger students can reuse books, helping reduce costs for families. Workbooks packaged inside textbooks are banned under this policy.
The ministry explained that this decision is part of wider efforts to curb commercialization in early education. Many parents had complained about expensive fees for graduation events, uniforms, and related paraphernalia for very young children.
The government says these measures aim to make education more affordable and reduce distractions from learning.
School owners and administrators have been instructed to comply immediately. Private and faith-based schools, which often have more elaborate ceremonies, are being told that no exceptions will be made.
The policy also emphasizes oversight: inspectors will visit schools to ensure compliance, and infractions will attract warnings, fines, or other penalties.
Some educators have praised the move, saying it sends a strong message against needless expenditures in education. They believe the textbook rule will also reduce waste, help parents save money, and ensure more uniformity in learning materials.
However, there are concerns from others that schools might still pressure parents under other names (e.g., “exit parties”) or find other ways around the rules. Some schools have asked for clarity on what defines a “graduation party” vs. simple end-of-term recognitions to avoid confusion.
The Osun State policy reflects rising interest across Nigeria in regulating early childhood education expenses, ensuring equity, and reducing hidden costs. For parents, the change is likely to reduce unexpected or discretionary spending; for schools, it imposes stricter discipline and standardized materials.
FURTHER READING
- Nigeria Seeks Japanese Investors to Boost Trade, Production
- Police Data Reveals Over 1,600 Violent Deaths in Lagos
- NURTW Official Arrested For Allegedly Beating Dispatch Rider To Death in Lagos
Click here to watch video of the week
