The Ogun State Government has officially prohibited graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties across all public and private schools in the state. This decision follows reports of alleged extortion targeting parents and guardians through compulsory charges linked to such celebrations.
Directive Issued by Education Ministry
The ban was announced by the State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology through a circular signed by the Director of Education, A.A. Bisiriyu, on behalf of the ministry's Permanent Secretary. Dated June 18, 2026, the directive was addressed to school administrators and education stakeholders, mandating immediate compliance.
Reasons Behind the Ban
According to the ministry, the measure was taken after discovering that some schools were demanding payments from parents under the pretext of organizing graduation and end-of-year events. The government stated that such practices violated agreements reached during the 2025/2026 pre-resumption stakeholders' meeting held at Lisabi Grammar School Hall, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta.
The statement read: "It has been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some Administrators of both Public and Non-State (Private) schools have started extorting parents/guardians under the disguise of organising graduation/end of the session party for the learners."
Sanctions for Non-Compliance
The ministry emphasized that the state government does not approve of such gatherings in schools and warned that institutions ignoring the directive would face penalties. "Therefore, it is pertinent to state that the State Government frowns at organising Graduation/End of Session Party ceremony in all classes in both Public and Non-State (Private) schools in the State. Hence, no school owner should organise such gatherings forthwith," the circular added.
Stakeholders have been instructed to widely circulate the directive to ensure full compliance across all schools in Ogun State.
