Ban on Graduation Ceremonies Still in Kogi State, Education Commissioner warns School Administrators

By Musa Solomon

Kogi State Commissioner for Education Hon. Wemi Jones has warned school administrators in Kogi that any school that reinvents the outlawed Graduation Ceremonies in any guise will be sanctioned in accordance with the provision of the Kogi State Education Law, 2020 and other applicable regulations.

The Commissioner made this known in a statement released on Tuesday in Lokoja

According to the statement, the Ministry wishes to remind all public and private schools operating within the State that the ban on graduation ceremonies for pupils and students in Nursery, Primary and Junior secondary schools remains in full force.

The Ministry he said has become aware of attempts by some Schools to circumvent the directive by introducing so-called “Graduation Thanksgiving Ceremonies” or similar events under different names. This he noted are deliberate attempts to evade the Government’s directive and impose unauthorized financial burden on pupils, students, their parents are guardians.

In his words ” the Ministry wishes to state unequivocally that Graduation Thanksgiving Ceremonies or any other events organized as substitute for, or in place of graduation ceremonies are equally unlawful and remain prohibited in Kogi State. A mere change of name does not alter the substance of the event or exempt it from the existing Government Policy.”

The Commissioner stated that for the avoidance of doubt, the only ceremony approved by the State Government is the Speech and Prize-Giving Day to mark the successful completion of Senior Secondary Education, provided such events are conducted in a modest, orderly and responsible manner in line with the existing policy and without imposing financial obligations on parents and guardians.

The statement encouraged parents, guardians and members of the general public to report any school found violating the directive to the Kogi State Ministry of Education through the following phone numbers, 08023541327, 08168085777.

According to the statement ” Kogi State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to providing quality and affordable education for every child. Government will not tolerate any attempt by individuals or institutions to undermine it’s education policies or exploit parents and guardians through unlawful charges disguised under any nomenclature.