THE Niger State Government has prohibited private schools from holding graduation ceremonies, directing all private educational institutions to replace them with Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremonies to recognise students’ achievements.
News Point Nigeria reports that the policy, introduced through the Niger State Private Schools Board, is aimed at standardising end-of-session activities and addressing what authorities describe as the growing culture of elaborate and costly graduation celebrations in private schools.
In a statement issued by the Directorate of Information Services of the Ministry of Information and Orientation, Yunusa Ibrahim, the government said schools should instead use Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremonies to honour students for academic excellence, exemplary conduct, leadership qualities and other outstanding accomplishments.
According to the statement, the increasing trend of lavish graduation events has placed undue financial burden on parents while fostering unhealthy rivalry among schools.
The government further noted that many of the ceremonies have drifted from their original educational purpose, with excessive spending and commercial interests overshadowing the celebration of academic achievement.
It said the new directive is intended to restore moderation, reinforce discipline and ensure that end-of-session programmes remain focused on learning outcomes and scholastic excellence.
To ensure compliance, the Niger State Private Schools Board, working with the Ministry of Information and Orientation and other stakeholders, will embark on statewide sensitisation campaigns to educate schools and the public on the new policy.
Information officers and community mobilisation personnel have also been tasked with engaging school administrators, parents and local communities to promote understanding and implementation of the directive.
The state government reiterated its commitment to improving educational standards and safeguarding the interests of students and parents, stressing that school activities must align with approved educational guidelines and best practices.
It also urged schools, parents and other stakeholders to support the initiative, describing it as a step towards promoting discipline, uniformity and academic excellence across the state.
