The Osun State Government has officially banned graduation ceremonies for nursery and kindergarten pupils in both public and private schools across the state.
The directive was contained in a circular dated September 19, 2025, issued by the Osun State Ministry of Education and signed by the Permanent Secretary, M. A. K. Jimoh.
According to the ministry, the decision was taken to reduce the financial burden on parents and prevent unnecessary disruptions to classroom learning.
“It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Education that the practice of organising elaborate graduation ceremonies for Nursery and Kindergarten pupils has become increasingly common,” the circular stated.
While acknowledging that such events are meant to celebrate milestones, the ministry stressed that they have now become overly commercialised, pressuring families to spend excessively.
New Guidelines
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Graduation ceremonies are now limited to:
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Primary 6 pupils completing their primary education.
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SS3 students completing their secondary education.
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Schools must use textbooks from an approved list.
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Textbooks are to be used for three academic sessions so that siblings can benefit consecutively.
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The practice of inserting workbooks inside textbooks is prohibited.
The ministry warned that schools failing to comply with these directives risk fines or suspension of registration.
Jimoh concluded:
“We count on your full cooperation to uphold the integrity and purpose of education.”
PUNCH Online notes that Imo State first implemented this ban under Governor Hope Uzodimma. Ekiti State has also taken a similar stance, and now Osun has joined the list.
