The Osun State Government has announced a ban on graduation ceremonies for nursery and kindergarten pupils in both public and private schools across the state
The directive was issued in a circular dated September 19, 2025, by the Osun State Ministry of Education and signed by the Permanent Secretary, M. A. K. Jimoh.
According to the ministry, the ban was necessary due to the financial burden such events place on parents and the disruption they cause to classroom learning.
“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 intended to celebrate educational milestones, the ministry noted that these events have increasingly commercialised early childhood education, placing unnecessary pressure on families.
Under the new policy, graduation ceremonies and parties will now be limited to Primary 6 pupils completing their primary education and Senior Secondary School 3 students finishing secondary school.
“In view of the above, the Ministry of Education hereby bans all graduation ceremonies for Nursery and Kindergarten pupils, effective immediately,” the circular read.
The policy is designed to encourage schools, parents, and stakeholders to focus on academic achievements at the end of formal primary and secondary education cycles.
The ministry also issued new guidelines on textbook usage, requiring all schools—including faith-based institutions—to adhere to an approved list. Textbooks are to be used for three years to allow siblings to benefit consecutively, and the practice of inserting workbooks inside textbooks is prohibited.
Schools that fail to comply with these directives may face disciplinary action, including fines or suspension of registration.
Jimoh concluded, “We count on your full cooperation to uphold the integrity and purpose of education.”
PUNCH Online reports that Imo State, under Governor Hope Uzodimma, was the first to implement such a ban, with other states including Ekiti and now Osun following suit.
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