Kogi Cracks Down on Illegal School Graduation Ceremonies, Reaffirms Ban on Nursery, Primary, JSS Graduation Ceremonies, Vows Tough Action Against Violators Defiant Schools
Lokoja — The Kogi State Government has reiterated that the ban on graduation ceremonies for pupils in Nursery, Primary and Junior Secondary Schools remains fully in force, warning that any public or private school that violates the directive under any guise will face severe sanctions in accordance with the Kogi State Education Law, 2020.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones (FCIB), the Ministry of Education expressed concern over what it described as “sinister moves” by some schools to introduce “Graduation Thanksgiving Ceremonies” as an alternative means of circumventing the government’s directive and imposing unnecessary financial burdens on parents and guardians.
The Commissioner stressed that such ceremonies remain unlawful in Kogi State, emphasizing that merely changing the nomenclature does not alter the illegality of the practice.
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He clarified that the only ceremony approved by the State Government is the Speech and Prize-Giving Day for students completing Senior Secondary School, provided it is conducted in a modest, orderly and policy-compliant manner.
Hon. Jones called on parents, guardians and the general public to support the enforcement of the policy by reporting any school found violating the directive to the Ministry of Education through its designated complaint lines.
He reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to providing quality, affordable and free education for every child in the state, noting that the government has continued to invest significantly in the education sector and will not allow individuals or institutions to undermine the gains already recorded.
The Commissioner maintained that strict compliance with the directive remains mandatory for all schools operating within Kogi State, warning that defaulters would be dealt with decisively in line with the provisions of the law.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JULY 15TH 2026)
