Delta Govt Lifts Graduation Ban, Introduces Strict Guidelines for Schools

The Delta State Government has relaxed its earlier ban on school graduation ceremonies, introducing a new regulatory framework that permits approved graduation and prize-giving events while maintaining a prohibition on lavish graduation parties and other extravagant celebrations.

The revised policy, issued by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, replaces the blanket ban announced in 2025 and reinforced earlier this year, when schools were warned against organising graduation activities under any guise.

A circular signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. O. H. Akambe, and addressed to Chief Inspectors of Education, principals and head teachers of public and non-state primary and secondary schools across the state’s 25 local government areas, said the new guidelines are aimed at reducing the financial burden imposed on parents and guardians.

According to the government, graduation and end-of-session ceremonies remain important for celebrating academic achievement and strengthening school-community relations, but must not become commercial ventures or create barriers to education through excessive charges.

Under the new policy, only pupils in Primary Six and students in Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) are eligible to hold graduation ceremonies and prize-giving events. Schools are prohibited from organising graduation ceremonies for pre-primary classes, Junior Secondary School Three (JSS3), or any other non-terminal classes.

The guidelines also require schools to obtain approval from the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education before organising any graduation or end-of-session ceremony.

Applications must be submitted at least one week before the proposed event and must include the programme of activities, venue, estimated expenditure and a signed letter of undertaking.

The ministry further prescribed the activities allowed during approved ceremonies, limiting them to educational and formal programmes such as opening prayers, rendition of the National and Delta State anthems, welcome addresses, cultural and educational presentations, valedictory speeches, presentation of certificates, merit-based awards, remarks by Parent-Teacher Associations or School-Based Management Committees, vote of thanks and group photographs.

As part of measures to curb exploitation of parents, the government prohibited schools from imposing compulsory levies or requiring the mandatory purchase of graduation gowns, uniforms, souvenirs and other items associated with graduation ceremonies.

The latest directive marks a policy shift by the state government, balancing the recognition of students’ academic milestones with efforts to eliminate excessive spending and protect parents from unnecessary financial obligations.