The debate over graduation ceremonies in Nigerian schools is heating up, as parents and education stakeholders in Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina have joined calls for tighter controls or outright bans on the events.
While graduation ceremonies are traditionally moments of joy, some parents argue they have become sources of financial strain, indiscipline, and even moral decadence. Their concerns align with a growing trend in several Nigerian states where governments have restricted or banned such celebrations.
The issue came to the fore after the Kaduna State government hinted at deliberations over a possible ban on primary and secondary school graduation parties. Parents say the move would ease financial burdens and redirect focus to academics.
“We don’t want to be spending too much on graduation ceremonies. The potential ban on graduation ceremonies is a step in the right direction. It could benefit parents, students, and the education system.”
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A teacher in Kaduna, Aminu Lawal, supported the idea, stressing that “reduced financial burden on parents would be one potential benefit if the Kaduna State government bans it.”
The Kaduna Ministry of Education confirmed that discussions are ongoing. “At our end, deliberations are ongoing and we hope to get to a conclusion soon,” said Mercy Kude, Director of Public Schools.
This development echoes recent policies in Ondo, Imo, Edo, Sokoto, and Kano, where restrictions on graduation ceremonies were introduced to tackle issues like excessive spending, vandalism, indecent dressing, and safety risks.
On July 24, 2024, the Kano State Science and Technical Schools Board barred unauthorized graduation activities in state-owned secondary schools, citing concerns over property damage and indecent behaviour.
In Katsina State the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Zainab Musa-Musawa, issued a directive mandating schools to monitor students during graduation events. She warned that:
“It has come to the attention of the ministry that there is an increasing trend of students engaging in unethical activities, such as excessive partying and unauthorized sign-outs, both within and outside school premises. These behaviours not only compromise the safety and well-being of our students but also tarnish the reputation of our educational institutions.”
Teachers in Katsina echoed these concerns, linking misconduct to poor parental supervision. Abubakar Sani, a public school teacher, said:
“Parents should be blamed for most of the negative things their children do during such ceremonies. Some students even organize these events outside school premises, leading to indecent interactions and, in some cases, arrests.”
For parents like Tukur Aliyu, banning the ceremonies altogether is the only solution. “The only way to save innocent students from indulging in those kinds of immorality is if the government prohibits the act, be it within school premises or in the town,” he said, calling for police enforcement against erring students.
Education experts argue that moderation and value reorientation are key. “This policy, if enacted, will help us focus on academic excellence. The ban could promote discipline and value reorientation,” said John David, a Kaduna-based teacher.
The headline issue Kaduna, Kano, Katsina Parents Want Graduation Ceremonies Banned underscores a nationwide debate: Should graduation ceremonies remain a cultural tradition, or are they now a distraction from Nigeria’s struggling education system?
For many families, the financial relief of a ban outweighs the sentimental value of the ceremonies. For others, the restrictions raise questions about whether governments are addressing root problems like unemployment, poor infrastructure, and lack of scholarships.
Either way, the controversy is shaping education policy discussions across Nigeria, and Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina appear poised to lead the charge.
