Parents in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina seek ban on basic school graduation ceremonies

Graduation ceremonies are often seen as joyous milestones, celebrating students’ efforts and achievements. But in recent years, these events in Nigeria have come under scrutiny, with some state governments restricting or banning them due to concerns over excessive spending, indecent dressing, rowdiness, vandalism, and safety risks. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while […]

Graduation ceremonies are often seen as joyous milestones, celebrating students’ efforts and achievements. But in recent years, these events in Nigeria have come under scrutiny, with some state governments restricting or banning them due to concerns over excessive spending, indecent dressing, rowdiness, vandalism, and safety risks.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while these restrictions have sparked debate, many parents and educators in Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina said banning graduation ceremonies-especially at the nursery, primary, and junior secondary levels-would reduce financial pressure and help redirect focus to academics.

Several states have already acted. On July 24, 2024, Kano State barred unauthorised graduation activities in public secondary schools, citing financial excesses and property damage.

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Sokoto State followed a year later, banning all sign-out celebrations for secondary schools due to rising misconduct.

Imo State banned graduation parties for kindergarten, nursery, and JSS-3 pupils in August 2025 to restore moral values and ease parental costs.

Ondo and Edo governments have also outlawed ceremonies in nursery and primary schools, calling them “extravagant and misplaced.”

 

Kaduna parents call for action

In Kaduna, many parents said they would welcome a similar ban. They argue it would ease the burden of costs associated with hiring halls, uniforms, and gifts.

“Reduced financial burden on parents would be one potential benefit if the Kaduna government bans it. Parents would no longer have to worry about graduation expenses,” said teacher Aminu Lawal.

Another teacher, John David, added, “This policy will help us focus on academic excellence. It could promote discipline and value reorientation.”

Education expert Maryam Ibrahim stressed that redirecting focus to studies is crucial: “Even if the policy reduces only half the pressure of ceremonies, parents can reinvest that into their children’s education.”

Mrs. Omolara Olanipekun, Principal of Funmi Schools, Barnawa, said her school would also benefit: “We’ve seen students and parents prioritize ceremonies over learning. A ban could change that.”

While no decision has been made, the Kaduna Ministry of Education’s Director of Public Schools, Mercy Kude, confirmed deliberations are ongoing.

Parents such as Esther Akut are hopeful: “We don’t want to keep spending on unnecessary ceremonies. A ban is a step in the right direction.”

For Solomon Dauda, of the Kaduna Education Accountability Mechanism, the ban could strengthen broader education reforms already underway in the state.

 

Katsina moves to curb misconduct

In Katsina, the government has not imposed a full ban but directed schools to closely monitor student behaviour during graduation events.

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Zainab Musa-Musawa, in a circular, warned against “excessive partying and unauthorized sign-outs” that compromise student safety and tarnish schools’ reputations.

Schools are now expected to set up systems to track misconduct, with disciplinary action for offenders.

Teachers say parents also have a role. Malam Abubakar Sani, a Katsina schoolteacher, argued that “parents should be blamed for most of the negative things their children commit during such ceremonies.”

He recalled instances where students organized parties off-campus, engaging in indecent behavior. “Some female students were seen braiding male students’ hair at one event. The matter was reported to police, and arrests were made,” he said.

Malam Tukur Aliyu called for a total ban in both public and private schools: “A lot of students are introduced to drug abuse and prostitution at these ceremonies. The only way to save them is to prohibit the act completely.”

Supporters of moderation said the solution is not outright bans but better regulation and parental responsibility.

“Graduation should be about academics, not fashion shows or reckless spending. If banning them will help our children and our pockets, then so be it,” one parent said. (NAN)