The Osun State Government has banned graduation ceremonies for nursery and kindergarten pupils in both public and private schools.
The directive, issued in a circular dated September 19, 2025, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, M. A. K. Jimoh, cited concerns over financial pressure on parents and loss of academic time.
“It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Education that elaborate graduation ceremonies for Nursery and Kindergarten pupils have become increasingly common,” the circular noted, adding that the events commercialise early childhood education and burden families unnecessarily.
Going forward, graduation ceremonies will only be allowed for pupils completing Primary 6 and students finishing Senior Secondary School 3.
The ministry also released new rules on textbook use in both public and private schools, including faith-based institutions. Schools must now use only government-approved textbooks for at least three years to ensure continuity for siblings, while the practice of inserting workbooks into textbooks is banned.
“Proprietors of faith-based and private schools are required to adhere strictly to the approved list of textbooks,” the statement read.
The government warned that schools violating the directive could face sanctions, including fines or suspension of their registration.
Jimoh urged full compliance, stressing that the policy aims to uphold the integrity of education and ensure focus on genuine academic milestones.
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