The Niger State Government has banned graduation ceremonies in private schools, directing all privately owned educational institutions to replace them with Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremonies to celebrate students’ academic achievements.
Gatekeepers News reports that the directive, issued through the Niger State Private Schools Board, is part of efforts to standardise end-of-session activities and curb what the government described as the growing trend of extravagant and expensive graduation celebrations.
In a statement released by the Directorate of Information Services of the Ministry of Information and Orientation, the government, through Yunusa Ibrahim, said schools should use Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremonies to recognise students for academic excellence, exemplary behaviour, leadership and other outstanding accomplishments.
According to the statement, the increasing culture of lavish graduation events has placed unnecessary financial pressure on parents while encouraging unhealthy competition among private schools.
The government also expressed concern that many of the ceremonies have shifted away from their original educational purpose, with excessive spending and commercial interests taking precedence over the recognition of academic success.
It said the new policy is designed to restore moderation, strengthen discipline and ensure that end-of-session programmes remain focused on learning outcomes and scholastic excellence.
To facilitate implementation, the Niger State Private Schools Board, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Orientation and other relevant stakeholders, will launch a statewide sensitisation campaign to educate schools and the public on the new directive.
Information officers and community mobilisation personnel have also been assigned to engage school proprietors, parents and community leaders to encourage understanding and compliance with the policy.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to improving educational standards and protecting the interests of students and parents, stressing that all school activities must comply with approved educational policies and best practices.
It also called on school owners, parents and other stakeholders to support the initiative, describing it as a step towards promoting discipline, uniformity and academic excellence across private schools in the state.
