Kogi State Government has banned graduation ceremonies in basic and secondary schools across the state, citing the vices associated with the practice.
Commissioner for Education in the State, Hon. Wemi Jones announced the decision during a meeting with critical stakeholders in the education sector on Wednesday, in Lokoja.
The state government also banned signing-out ceremonies in tertiary institutions within and outside the State.
According to Jones, the practice of incessant graduation ceremonies in nursery, primary, and secondary schools is hereby prohibited in the state with immediately effect.
He stressed that the practice has become economically unaffordable, putting undue pressure on parents, and attracts social ills associated with such celebrations.
The commissioner emphasised that the ban was aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents and promoting a more meaningful approach to celebrating students’ achievements.
Kogi State government also introduced a new policy requiring parents to provide separate notebooks for their children’s classwork and assignments, rather than using textbooks as workbooks.
The commissioner stressed 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 West African Examination Council (WAEC) registration,” Jones said.
The commissioner reiterated that the new policies would take immediate effect across the state.
The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration to implementing the Kogi State Education Law introduced in 2020.
He urged stakeholders to support and cooperate with the Ministry to ensure the full implementation of the new policies and the state education law.
Jones further emphasised 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.
He called for moderate school fees by private schools, while providing quality education services, to transform education in Kogi.
The stakeholders at the meeting, commended the ministry for its commitment to developing education in the state and assured the government of their continuous support.
They, however, called for employment of more teachers in public schools as well as setting up of a committee to regulate textbooks in compliance with state education standards.
