Osun Government Bans Graduation Parties For Nursery, Kindergarten Pupils
The Osun State Ministry of Education has issued a circular banning elaborate graduation ceremonies and parties for nursery and kindergarten pupils across both public and private schools in the state. The directive — contained in a circular circulated on 19 September 2025 — restricts formal graduation celebrations to major exit points in the basic and secondary education cycle, notably Primary Six and Senior Secondary School (SSS3) graduations. 0
What the circular says
According to the circular signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the practice of staging elaborate graduation parties for very young pupils has become commonplace and has generated concerns in three main areas: the heavy financial burden on parents, the loss of valuable classroom/instructional time, and the commercialisation of early childhood education. The directive therefore prohibits graduation parties for Nursery and Kindergarten classes and limits formal graduation events to pupils completing primary and senior secondary school cycles. 1
“This policy aims to ensure that students, parents, guardians, and schools focus on the academic achievements of pupils at the end of their primary and secondary education cycles, while also reducing significant financial expenditure that places undue pressure on families,” the circular notes. 2
New textbook directive included
The circular also introduced measures on textbook usage for private and faith-based schools. Proprietors are now required to strictly use approved textbooks and adhere to a minimum period before changing prescribed texts (the directive requires that approved textbooks remain valid for a multi-year period). The notice additionally prohibits embedding workbooks inside textbooks and discourages the practice of forcing parents to buy new titles every session. The aim, the ministry said, is to reduce recurrent, avoidable costs and promote continuity in teaching materials. 3
Why the government acted
Government officials explained that the move targets an escalating trend where end-of-term celebrations for very young children have become mini-events with paid photographers, staged performances, elaborate costumes, and large parties often organised by school proprietors or parents. Such events, especially when presented as mandatory, can escalate fees and create an unequal environment where poorer families feel excluded or pressured to spend beyond their means. The ministry framed the ban as part of broader efforts to prioritise core learning and shield families from unnecessary expenses. 4
Reactions and likely impact
Reactions have been mixed. Some parents and education advocates welcomed the move as sensible and protective — arguing it will relieve families of avoidable spending and refocus schools on teaching. Others — including some school owners and parents — expressed disappointment, saying that modest graduation events can be motivational for pupils and provide closure for the school year. Observers note similar policies have already been announced in other states in recent weeks, reflecting a regional push to curb extravagance in early-school events. 5
How the ban will be enforced
The circular instructs the Ministry’s supervisory teams and local education authorities to monitor schools’ compliance. Private school proprietors found organising prohibited graduation parties may face sanctions, ranging from official warnings to fines or regulatory sanctions under the state’s education laws, depending on the ministry’s enforcement framework. The ministry also pledged periodic visits to private schools to ensure adherence to the directive. 6
What parents and schools should do
- Parents: If your child’s school announces a graduation for nursery or kindergarten, ask for official clarification in writing and refer to the ministry circular. Consider organizing low-cost classroom “end-of-term” get-togethers that do not require external vendors.
- School owners/teachers: Review your school calendar and policies to align with the circular. Replace expensive “graduation parties” with simple certificate presentations, classroom assemblies, or parent-teacher appreciation sessions that mark progression without excessive cost.
- Proprietors of private and faith-based schools: Ensure textbook prescriptions follow the new approved-list policy and avoid frequent forced textbook changes that impose costs on parents.
Context — regional trend
Osun’s ban follows similar actions by several states in Nigeria that, in recent weeks and months, have moved to restrict or ban extravagant graduation ceremonies at pre-basic and basic education levels. The trend appears driven by a shared concern about commercialization of early education and the financial strain on families. Analysts say policymakers are responding to public complaints about escalating school-related expenses beyond tuition. 7