The Kogi State government has joined the league of states that have banned graduation ceremonies, popularly known as “sign-outs,” in basic and secondary schools.
The state government said it took the measure because of the vices associated with the practice.
This was announced yesterday by the commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, during a meeting with critical stakeholders in the education sector in Lokoja.
According to Jones, the practice of incessant graduation ceremonies in nursery, primary and secondary schools is immediately prohibited in the state.
The commissioner added that the practice had become economically unaffordable, putting undue pressure on parents and attracting social ills associated.
Jones emphasised that the ban aims to reduce the financial burden on parents and promote a more meaningful approach to celebrating students’ achievements.
Meanwhile, the state government has introduced a policy requiring parents to provide separate notebooks for their children’s classwork and assignments, rather than using textbooks as workbooks.
The commissioner explained that the policy aims to make textbooks reusable by siblings of the same parents.
“The use of textbooks as workbooks, especially in private schools, must stop and parents must provide separate notebooks for their children.
“We’ll introduce new celebration modalities to encourage competition and commitment to studies. No more social ills or undue pressure. We’ll also ensure students progress through required classes without jumping grades.
“Private school owners should note that writing mock exams is now a prerequisite for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) registration,” Jones stated.
The commissioner reiterated that the new policies would be implemented immediately across the state.
He reaffirmed the Governor Ahmed Ododo administration’s commitment to implementing the Kogi State Education Law introduced in 2020 and urged the stakeholders to cooperate with the ministry to ensure the implementation of the new policies and the education law.
Jones stressed the need for private schools to adhere to the law and provide quality education services.
“We’ll work together to develop education, reduce out-of-school children, and ensure compliance with laws,” he said.
The stakeholders commended the ministry for its commitment to developing education in the state and assured the government of their support.
However, they called for the employment of more teachers in public schools and the establishment of a committee to regulate textbooks in accordance with state education standards.
