The Niger State Government has banned graduation ceremonies in all private schools across the state with immediate effect, directing schools to celebrate the end of each academic session through the traditional Speech and Prize-Giving Day.
The directive, issued by the Niger State Private Schools Board and conveyed through the Ministry of Information and Orientation, is aimed at promoting uniformity in school activities, reducing the financial burden on parents and restoring the educational value of end-of-session celebrations.
According to the government, private schools are expected to use Speech and Prize-Giving Day to recognise pupils and students for academic excellence, exemplary conduct, leadership and other outstanding achievements, instead of organising elaborate graduation ceremonies.
The government explained that the decision followed concerns that graduation ceremonies in many private schools had become increasingly extravagant, leading to excessive financial demands on parents and guardians, unhealthy competition among schools and the commercialisation of school celebrations.
It stressed that the policy does not stop schools from celebrating their learners but encourages them to do so through the long-established Speech and Prize-Giving Day, where prizes, certificates and awards are presented to deserving pupils and students.
The directive applied to all proprietors of private schools, school administrators, parents, guardians and other stakeholders in the private education sector.
To ensure effective implementation, the Niger State Private Schools Board, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Orientation, will embark on public enlightenment and sensitisation campaigns across the state to promote understanding and compliance.
The state government urged all stakeholders to support the policy, saying it is designed to promote discipline, standardisation and educational excellence while protecting parents from unnecessary financial pressures.
