Ogun State Bans Extravagant School Graduations, Extends Textbook Lifespan to Six Years

The Ogun State Government has imposed a sweeping ban on lavish graduation ceremonies in public and private schools across the state, while mandating a six-year replacement cycle for textbooks to prevent wasteful spending.The policy, announced on Friday, by the state Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, targets the growing trend of opulent end-of-term events that have burdened parents with exorbitant costs for uniforms, souvenirs, and elaborate decorations. Commissioner for Education, Abayomi Fashina, described the measures as "a compassionate intervention to prioritize education over ostentation," emphasizing that the reforms align with Governor Dapo Abiodun's administration's commitment to affordable learning.Under the new guidelines, schools are prohibited from organizing "elaborate or extravagant" graduations, including bans on expensive branded T-shirts, custom cakes, and photo sessions that often run into thousands of naira per student. Instead, institutions are directed to opt for simple, dignified ceremonies focused on academic achievements, with costs capped at minimal levels approved by the ministry. Private schools found violating the rules face hefty fines or license suspensions, while public schools will receive state support for basic event logistics.Complementing the graduation clampdown is the directive for a standardized six-year lifespan for textbooks, extending from the current three-year cycle. This change, Fashina explained, addresses complaints from parents about frequent repurchases amid rising inflation and economic hardships. "Many families are struggling to put food on the table; we cannot allow school rituals to exacerbate their woes," he stated during a press briefing in Abeokuta. The ministry will enforce quality controls to ensure books remain durable, with subsidies promised for low-income households to ease transitions.

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