The Federal Government has directed schools nationwide to limit graduation ceremonies to only pupils and students completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3)
The move is aimed at discouraging excessive celebrations in schools and easing the growing financial pressure on parents. The decision was announced by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suiwaba Sa’idu.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, the government said the directive is part of broader reforms designed to reposition Nigeria’s education sector while reducing avoidable expenses for families.
The statement explained that graduation ceremonies have now been streamlined to prevent unnecessary financial strain, with schools permitted to organise such events only for pupils and students exiting Primary 6, JSS3 and SSS3.
“The Ministers stated that graduation ceremonies have been streamlined to curb unnecessary financial pressure on parents.
“Under the new guidelines, only pupils and students completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies,” she said.
Beyond graduation ceremonies, the Federal Government also introduced a new policy mandating the use of standardised, high-quality textbooks expected to last between four and six years. The initiative is intended to cut recurring education costs for parents and enhance learning outcomes across schools.
According to the ministry, the policy puts an end to frequent and cosmetic textbook revisions that compel families to buy new books every academic session. It also bans the practice of bundling disposable workbooks with textbooks.
The government noted that the use of durable, standardised textbooks will allow siblings to share learning materials, significantly lower long-term costs for parents and reduce waste in the education system, supporting environmental sustainability.
“As part of broader sector reforms, they noted that the Federal Government has introduced a uniform academic calendar to promote consistency in teaching, learning and school planning across the country.”, it added.
As part of the wider reforms, the ministers also disclosed that a uniform academic calendar has been introduced to ensure consistency in teaching, learning and school planning nationwide. They added that the new measures strengthen quality assurance processes, as well as the assessment, selection and use of textbooks and instructional materials across the country.
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