The Osun State Government has announced a ban on graduation ceremonies for nursery and kindergarten pupils across both public and private schools in the state.
The directive was issued by the Osun State Ministry of Education in a circular dated September 19, 2025, and signed by the Permanent Secretary, M.A.K. Jimoh.
According to the circular, obtained by The Telegraph on Friday, the ban was prompted by concerns over the growing financial burden such events place on parents, as well as the loss of valuable instructional time caused by elaborate celebrations.
“It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Education that the practice of organising elaborate graduation ceremonies for Nursery and Kindergarten pupils has become increasingly common,” the circular stated.
While acknowledging that such events are intended to mark educational milestones, the ministry expressed concern that early childhood education is becoming increasingly commercialised, with many schools turning simple transitions into costly spectacles.
As part of the new policy, graduation ceremonies and parties will now be limited strictly to Primary 6 pupils completing their primary education and Senior Secondary School 3 students concluding their secondary education.
“In view of the above, the Ministry of Education hereby bans all graduation ceremonies for Nursery and Kindergarten pupils, effective immediately,” the statement read.
The ministry stressed that the new directive is intended to refocus attention on academic achievements at the conclusion of significant educational stages, rather than encouraging celebrations at the foundational level.
In addition to the graduation ceremony ban, the circular also introduced new regulations regarding the use of textbooks in both public and private schools, with particular emphasis on faith-based institutions.
The ministry directed all school proprietors to adhere strictly to an approved list of textbooks, which must be used for a minimum of three years. This policy aims to ease the financial burden on parents by allowing siblings to reuse books over time.
Furthermore, the ministry banned the bundling of workbooks within textbooks, stating that this practice must stop immediately.
“To promote stability and consistency in education, proprietors of faith-based and private schools are required to adhere to the approved list of textbooks,” the circular emphasized.
Schools found to be in violation of these directives may face disciplinary actions, including monetary penalties or suspension of their registration.
“We count on your full cooperation to uphold the integrity and purpose of education,” Jimoh concluded.
The Telegraph reports that Osun State joins a growing list of states taking similar measures to curb excessive spending on early childhood ceremonies. The move was first introduced by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, with Ekiti State also recently adopting the policy.
