The Ogun State Government has directed all public and private schools across the state to immediately discontinue graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties, citing concerns over the financial burden such events place on parents and guardians.

The directive was conveyed in a circular issued by the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and signed by the Director of Education (Private Schools), Mr. A.A. Bisiriyu.

The circular, dated June 17 and addressed to administrators of both public and private schools, warned that any institution found violating the order would face appropriate sanctions.

According to the ministry, the decision followed reports that some school authorities had allegedly been compelling parents and guardians to make financial contributions under the guise of organizing graduation ceremonies and end-of-session celebrations.

"It has been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some administrators of both public and non-state (private) schools have started extorting parents/guardians under the disguise of organising graduation/end-of-session parties for learners," the circular stated.

The government said it was concerned about the growing trend and stressed that such practices were unacceptable within the state's education system.

"Therefore, it is pertinent to state that the State Government frowns at organising Graduation/End of Session Party ceremony in all classes in both Public and Non-State (Private) schools in the State. 

"Hence, no school owner should organise such gatherings forthwith," the statement added.

The ministry further directed school administrators to ensure that the directive is widely communicated to parents, guardians and other stakeholders to guarantee full compliance.

The government reiterated its commitment to protecting parents from unnecessary financial pressures and maintaining discipline within the education sector, warning that defaulters would be sanctioned in line with existing regulations.

The directive takes immediate effect and applies to all schools operating within Ogun State.