Kogi Government Bans Graduation in Basic and Secondary Schools

The Kogi State Government has prohibited graduation ceremonies in basic and secondary schools across the state.

The Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, announced the decision on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Lokoja, the state capital.

Jones explained that frequent graduation events in nursery, primary, and secondary schools were no longer acceptable, stressing that the practice had become financially burdensome for parents and was often linked to social vices.

“The use of textbooks as workbooks, especially in private schools, must stop. Parents are expected to provide separate notebooks for their children. We will also introduce new celebration models that encourage academic excellence and discipline, rather than unnecessary spending and social ills,” he said.

The commissioner added that mock examinations are now a compulsory requirement for students before registering for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams. He also emphasized that students must advance through classes without skipping grades.

Jones reaffirmed Governor Ahmed Ododo’s commitment to fully enforcing the Kogi State Education Law enacted in 2020, and urged stakeholders to cooperate with the ministry for its successful implementation. He further called on private schools to moderate fees while upholding quality standards.

Stakeholders present, including Local Government Education Secretaries, NAPPS, ANCOPPS, SUBEB, and NAPTAN, commended the ministry’s efforts but requested the recruitment of more teachers in public schools and the establishment of a textbook regulation committee.

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The development follows similar bans recently introduced in other states. Sokoto, Imo, Ondo, and Edo have all prohibited various forms of school graduation or signing-out ceremonies, while Nnamdi Azikiwe University also outlawed signing-off exam celebrations for final-year students. Authorities argue these measures will curb reckless behaviour, ease parents’ financial burden, and restore discipline in the education system.