Graduation ceremonies have been discontinued in all private schools in Niger State, with schools directed to adopt speech and prize-giving ceremonies to promote educational standards and reduce financial burdens on parents.
The Niger Private Schools Board has discontinued graduation ceremonies in all private schools across the state with immediate effect, directing schools to adopt Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremonies as the official end-of-session celebration.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Information Services, Niger State Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mr. Yunusa Ibrahim, and made available to journalists in Minna.
According to Ibrahim, private schools are now required to use Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremonies to celebrate learners and recognise academic excellence, exemplary conduct, leadership and other outstanding achievements.
He said the directive applies to all proprietors of private schools, school administrators, management teams, parents, guardians and other stakeholders in the private education sector.
Ibrahim explained that the new policy is aimed at promoting uniformity in end-of-session activities, preserving the educational value of school celebrations, strengthening the regulation of private educational institutions and discouraging extravagant ceremonies.
He added that the policy is also intended to encourage schools to place greater emphasis on academic excellence and character development.
The director clarified that the directive does not prevent schools from celebrating pupils or recognising their achievements.
According to him, Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremonies remain appropriate platforms for presenting prizes and certificates, recognising outstanding academic performance, honouring exemplary behaviour and leadership, and showcasing the achievements of pupils and students.
He noted that graduation ceremonies in many private schools have become increasingly elaborate and expensive in recent years, placing significant financial pressure on parents and guardians while encouraging unhealthy competition among schools.
Ibrahim said the trend had shifted school celebrations away from their educational purpose and contributed to the commercialisation of end-of-session activities.
He added that the Niger Private Schools Board, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Orientation and other relevant stakeholders, would begin public enlightenment and sensitisation campaigns across the state to promote awareness and ensure compliance with the directive.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to quality education, Ibrahim said the policy is designed to protect the interests of learners and parents while ensuring that school activities conform to acceptable educational standards and best practices.
He urged all stakeholders to support the implementation of the directive in the interest of discipline, standardisation and excellence in the state’s private education sector.
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