Graduation ceremonies banned: Niger State scraps them for private schools
By: Abudu Olalekan
No more graduation ceremonies in private schools across Niger State.
Just like that.
With immediate effect, the Niger Private Schools Board has discontinued them – completely.
This was contained in a statement by Yunusa Ibrahim, the Director of Information Services at the state’s Ministry of Information and Orientation.
The statement was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday, in Minna.
So, what’s replacing it?
Speech and prize-giving ceremonies.
That’s the approved way for schools to celebrate their learners – to give out prizes and certificates, recognise good academic performance, commend exemplary behaviour and leadership, and showcase the achievements of their pupils and students.
To be clear though, this doesn’t mean schools can’t celebrate their learners. Far from it.
Recognition is still very much allowed. It’s just that they can’t call it a ‘graduation’ anymore.
The Board gave a few reasons for the ban.
For one, they want some uniformity in end-of-session activities across private schools. They also want to preserve the actual educational value of these celebrations, properly regulate private institutions, cut down on extravagant spending, and most importantly – get schools to focus more on academics and character.
But the real reason, is probably the most obvious one.
Things had gotten well out of hand.
Over the last few years, some of these so-called ‘graduation’ ceremonies became ridiculously elaborate and expensive.
Parents and guardians were left footing very hefty bills. Schools were caught up in needless, one-upmanship competition.
Before long, what was supposed to be a celebration of learning became little more than a commercial show.
It’s hardly surprising the Board decided enough was enough.
To make sure the message actually gets across, the Board – in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Orientation, and other relevant stakeholders – will be going round the state for public enlightenment and sensitisation campaigns.
The state government says this is all about promoting quality education, protecting the interests of both parents and learners, and making sure school activities meet acceptable educational standards and best practices.
They’ve now called on proprietors, school administrators, parents, guardians and every other stakeholder in the private education sector, to support this directive.
Not just for the sake of it, but for discipline, standardisation and educational excellence across Niger State’s private schools.
Olalekan A. Abudu is a seasoned and dedicated News Journalist at REPORTERS ROOM, with over eight years of experience. He specializes in politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial issues. Committed to accuracy and balanced reporting, Olalekan exemplifies the principles of public-interest journalism.
