Kogi bans graduation ceremonies in basic, secondary schools

Kogi State Abolishes Graduation Ceremonies in Schools to Curb Costs and Promote Academic Discipline

In a sweeping reform aimed at reshaping the educational landscape, the Kogi State Government has officially banned graduation ceremonies in basic and secondary schools across the state. 

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, during a stakeholders' meeting held in Lokoja, the state capital. This decision, which takes immediate effect, also extends to signing-out ceremonies in tertiary institutions both within and outside the state.

According to Commissioner Jones, the practice of holding frequent graduation events in nursery, primary, and secondary schools has become economically unsustainable and socially problematic. He emphasized that such celebrations place undue financial pressure on parents and often give rise to social vices that detract from the true purpose of education. The government’s move is intended to ease the financial burden on families while promoting a more meaningful and academically focused way of recognizing student achievements.

In addition to the ban, the state has introduced a new policy requiring parents to provide separate notebooks for their children's classwork and assignments. This measure is designed to discourage the use of textbooks as workbooks, particularly in private schools, thereby making textbooks reusable for siblings and reducing educational costs. Jones stressed that this change is part of a broader effort to instill discipline and efficiency in the academic process.

The commissioner also announced that mock examinations will now be a mandatory prerequisite for students registering for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams. This policy aims to ensure that students are adequately prepared and that academic standards are upheld across all institutions.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to fully implementing the Kogi State Education Law enacted in 2020. The government called on private school owners to moderate school fees while maintaining high standards of education. Stakeholders at the meeting expressed support for the reforms and urged the government to recruit more teachers and establish a committee to regulate textbook usage in line with state education standards.

Overall, the ban on graduation ceremonies marks a significant shift in Kogi State’s approach to education, prioritizing academic integrity and financial prudence over elaborate celebrations. The government hopes that these reforms will foster a more disciplined, inclusive, and effective educational system for all students in the state.