Niger State Bans Graduation Ceremonies in Private Schools

Schools directed to replace graduation events with speech and prize-giving ceremonies to reduce costs and promote educational standards

The Niger State Private Schools Board has discontinued graduation ceremonies in all private schools across the state with immediate effect, directing schools to adopt speech and prize-giving ceremonies as the approved format for end-of-session celebrations.

The directive was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Information Services at the Niger State Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mr. Yunusa Ibrahim, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna.

According to the statement, the new policy applies to all private school proprietors, administrators, management teams, parents, guardians, and other stakeholders in the state's private education sector.

The board said schools should now use speech and prize-giving ceremonies to recognise academic excellence, exemplary conduct, leadership qualities, and other outstanding achievements among learners.

Mr. Ibrahim explained that the policy was introduced to ensure uniformity in end-of-session activities across private schools, preserve the educational value of school celebrations, strengthen regulatory oversight, and discourage extravagant events.

He noted that while schools remain free to celebrate students' achievements, graduation ceremonies in some private institutions have become increasingly elaborate and costly, placing financial pressure on parents and guardians.

According to him, the trend has shifted attention away from the educational purpose of such events and contributed to the commercialisation of school celebrations.

The ministry emphasized that the directive does not prevent schools from rewarding academic excellence or recognising outstanding students. Instead, speech and prize-giving ceremonies will continue to serve as platforms for presenting certificates, awarding prizes, and showcasing students' accomplishments.

To support implementation of the policy, the Private Schools Board, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Orientation and other relevant stakeholders, plans to conduct public enlightenment and sensitisation campaigns across the state.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to promoting quality education, protecting the interests of learners and parents, and ensuring that school activities align with acceptable educational standards and best practices.

Stakeholders were also urged to support the directive in the interest of discipline, standardisation, and educational excellence within Niger State's private education sector.