Kogi State Bans Lavish Graduation Ceremonies in Schools

The Kogi State government, through the Kogi State Commission for Education, has issued a warning against lavish graduation and sign-out ceremonies in nursery, primary, junior secondary, and tertiary institutions. Wemi Jones, the commission's representative, stated that schools violating this directive will face closure.

The ban is part of a broader strategy to reduce financial pressure on parents and ensure compliance with state laws regarding graduation celebrations. The government emphasized that formal celebrations are only permitted for students completing Senior Secondary School (SSS) 3 who are moving to university, allowing traditional speeches and awards.

The directive aims to prevent undue pressure on parents, especially during the third term when graduation ceremonies typically occur. The commission has implemented mechanisms to enforce this ban, including sending thousands of letters to schools and conducting visits to ensure compliance.

The government is also preparing for the 2025/2026 annual school census to gather accurate data for educational planning.