The Niger State Government has banned private schools from holding graduation ceremonies, directing all private educational institutions to replace them with Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremonies to recognise students’ academic achievements and exemplary conduct.
The directive, issued by the Niger State Private Schools Board, aims to standardize end-of-session activities and curb the growing trend of elaborate and costly graduation celebrations in private schools.
A statement issued by the Directorate of Information Services of the Ministry of Information and Orientation, signed by Yunusa Ibrahim, said schools should instead use Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremonies to honour students for academic excellence, leadership, good character and other outstanding accomplishments.
According to the government, the increasing culture of lavish graduation ceremonies has imposed unnecessary financial pressure on parents while encouraging unhealthy competition among schools.
It noted that many of the events have strayed from their original educational purpose, with excessive spending and commercial interests overshadowing the celebration of students’ academic success.
The government said the new policy is designed to restore moderation, strengthen discipline, and ensure that end-of-session activities remain focused on learning outcomes and scholastic excellence.
To ensure effective implementation, the Niger State Private Schools Board, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Orientation and other relevant stakeholders, will embark on a statewide sensitization campaign to educate school proprietors, parents, and the public on the directive.
Information officers and community mobilization personnel have also been mandated to engage school administrators, parents, and local communities to promote understanding and compliance with the policy.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to improving educational standards and protecting the interests of students and parents, stressing that all school activities must conform to approved educational guidelines and best practices.
It called on school owners, parents, and other stakeholders to support the initiative, describing it as a step towards promoting discipline, uniformity, and academic excellence across the state’s education sector.
