By Musa Solomon
The Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, has warned school administrators across the state that any attempt to revive the outlawed graduation ceremonies, under whatever name, will attract sanctions under the Kogi State Education Law, 2020, and other applicable regulations.
The Commissioner issued the warning in a statement released on Tuesday in Lokoja, in which the Ministry of Education reminded all public and private schools in the state that the ban on graduation ceremonies for pupils and students in nursery, primary, and junior secondary schools remains in full force.
According to the statement, the Ministry has observed attempts by some schools to circumvent the directive by introducing so-called “Graduation Thanksgiving Ceremonies” or similar events under different names. It described these moves as deliberate attempts to evade government policy and impose unauthorized financial burdens on pupils, students, and their parents or guardians.
“The Ministry wishes to state unequivocally that Graduation Thanksgiving Ceremonies or any other events organized as a substitute for, or in place of, graduation ceremonies are equally unlawful and remain prohibited in Kogi State,” the statement read. “A mere change of name does not alter the substance of the event or exempt it from the existing government policy.”
The Commissioner clarified that the only ceremony approved by the state government is the Speech and Prize-Giving Day, held to mark the successful completion of Senior Secondary Education. He noted that such events must be conducted in a modest, orderly, and responsible manner, in line with existing policy, and without imposing financial obligations on parents and guardians.
The statement urged parents, guardians, and members of the public to report any school found violating the directive to the Kogi State Ministry of Education through the following phone numbers: 08023541327 and 08168085777.
“Kogi State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to providing quality and affordable education for every child,” the statement said. “Government will not tolerate any attempt by individuals or institutions to undermine its education policies or exploit parents and guardians through unlawful charges disguised under any nomenclature.”
