The Federal Government has barred graduation and valedictory ceremonies for pre-primary pupils as part of measures aimed at reducing the cost of education and curbing undue financial pressure on parents.
The directive, issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, applies to nursery and kindergarten classes, with the government stressing that such ceremonies are unnecessary at non-terminal levels. Under the new policy, graduation activities are to be restricted to terminal classes, including Primary Six, Junior Secondary School Three (JSS3) and Senior Secondary School Three (SSS3).
Education authorities noted that graduation ceremonies at lower levels had become avenues for excessive levies and commercialization, placing avoidable financial burdens on families.
In a related development, the Federal Government has ordered schools to adopt the use of reusable textbooks. The policy mandates durable instructional materials that can be used for multiple academic sessions, discouraging the practice of compulsory purchase of new textbooks and disposable workbooks every year.
The government explained that the move would promote affordability, sustainability and uniformity in teaching and learning across public and private schools. It also warned school proprietors against violating the new directives, stating that appropriate sanctions would be applied where necessary.
The Ministry of Education reiterated its commitment to policies that improve access to quality education while easing the economic strain on parents and guardians nationwide.
