The Federal Government has directed all public and private basic and secondary schools across Nigeria to discontinue graduation and valedictory ceremonies for pupils in Pre-Primary 6 and students in Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3).

The directive, issued through the Federal Ministry of Education, is part of measures to reduce the financial burden on parents and guardians amid prevailing economic pressures. The government noted that such ceremonies have increasingly become avenues for excessive levies, compulsory purchases of uniforms, souvenirs, and other costs that place unnecessary strain on families.

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According to the ministry, graduation activities at these levels are not recognised within the country’s official education policy framework, stressing that only formal graduation ceremonies approved by relevant education authorities should be held.

In the same directive, the Federal Government ordered schools to encourage the reuse of textbooks by pupils, especially at the basic education level. Schools were advised to develop systems that allow textbooks to be passed down to younger students in good condition, rather than compelling parents to buy new copies every academic year.

The ministry explained that the policy is aimed at promoting cost-saving, sustainability, and responsible use of learning materials, while ensuring that no child is denied education due to inability to afford books.

Education stakeholders, including state ministries of education and school proprietors, have been instructed to enforce the directive with immediate effect. Sanctions, the government warned, may be applied to schools found violating the new guidelines.

Parents and guardians were also urged to report schools that continue to impose unauthorised graduation ceremonies or insist on the purchase of new textbooks contrary to the directive.