The Niger State Government has reiterated that the ban on graduation ceremonies in both public and private primary and secondary schools across the state remains in full effect. This reminder comes as a response to concerns that some schools have continued to organize such events despite earlier directives.
Government Concerns Over Exploitative Practices
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Hadiza Asabe Mohammad, the government expressed concern that some schools are still compelling parents and guardians to make payments under various guises, including graduation fees, gowns, souvenirs, and entertainment charges. The government described these practices as exploitative, unacceptable, and contrary to its policy of ensuring affordable and accessible education for children.
Strict Prohibition on Graduation Ceremonies
The statement, released in Minna through a circular with reference number MBSE/CIR/2026, explicitly prohibits the organization of graduation ceremonies in all public and private primary and secondary schools. School authorities are forbidden from demanding, collecting, or receiving any money from pupils, students, parents, or guardians for graduation ceremonies or related activities. This includes fees for graduation, purchase of gowns, entertainment levies, souvenirs, and other associated charges.
Permitted Alternatives: Speech and Prize-Giving Day
However, schools are allowed to organize Speech and Prize-Giving Day activities as part of end-of-session programmes. These events must be planned, funded, and managed strictly by school authorities without any compulsory financial contributions from parents or guardians. The government emphasized that such activities must not be transformed into graduation ceremonies in any form.
Consequences for Violations
The government warned that any violation of this directive will be treated as a serious breach of educational policy and an act of exploitation against pupils and parents. Sanctions for defaulters may include cancellation of unauthorized graduation ceremonies, refund of illegally collected funds, disciplinary action against responsible officers in public schools, suspension of principals, head teachers, and administrators found culpable, and closure of schools pending investigation where necessary.
For private schools found violating the directive, penalties may include suspension, withdrawal, or revocation of operational licences. Repeat offenders could be blacklisted from operating educational institutions in the state.
Enforcement and Reporting
The government has directed Quality Assurance Officers, Education Secretaries, Zonal Directors, and monitoring teams to ensure strict enforcement of the directive across the state. Parents and guardians are urged to report any schools violating the directive to the ministry for investigation and necessary action.
