Olusegun Adeyemo
Parents across Nigeria have expressed mixed reactions to the decision by some state governments, including Imo, Katsina, Ondo, and Kaduna, to ban graduation parties for pupils in kindergarten, nursery, and primary schools.
The directive, which has been enforced in phases since 2023, is part of broader efforts by education authorities to curb what they describe as “the commercialization of schooling” and the “misrepresentation of academic achievement.” Critics of the practice argue that elaborate parties, often featuring academic gowns, DJs, and banquets, impose unnecessary financial burdens on parents and promote misplaced priorities in the education system.
In separate interviews with The Journal Nigeria, many parents commended the move, describing the celebrations as unnecessary, exploitative, and a misuse of academic regalia.
Mr. Nwafor Tochukwu Charles said the Federal Ministry of Education should extend the policy nationwide. “The proliferation of these events is fast turning schools into money-making ventures. Children as young as five should not be paraded in gowns meant for degree holders,” he remarked.
Similarly, Mr. Komolafe Augustine Olajide argued that “primary and secondary pupils should wear white attire for their send-off ceremonies, while academic gowns should remain exclusive to tertiary institutions where the real honours lie.”
Another parent, Ditamy Aghogho, welcomed the decision, describing the costly parties as “modern-day scamming” that schools use to exploit parents. She lamented that in some cases, parents are forced to pay as much as ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 for costumes, decorations, and compulsory contributions to the school’s program.
Onaolapo Temitope MacDonald urged the FCT Minister to extend the ban to Abuja, saying, “The craze for these parties is getting out of hand. It has become more about status display than child development.”
Others also called for expansion of the ban. Joseph Kehinde and Mercy Nkechi Okpanachi said they were awaiting similar action in Ogun and Lagos States, while Phoebe Appah stressed that her children would only celebrate graduation upon completing university.
However, some parents criticized the outright ban. Eghosa Ogieriakhi faulted the policy, insisting that while some schools exploit parents, the government should regulate rather than prohibit such events. “Graduation ceremonies create lasting memories for children. Banning them outright is unfair. Parents who cannot afford them should simply opt out,” he argued.
Education experts say the debate reflects deeper concerns about the quality and focus of Nigeria’s basic education. According to Dr. Halima Musa, a lecturer in Education at Bayero University, Kano, “The danger is that we are gradually prioritizing aesthetics over substance. Pupils often graduate without mastering basic literacy and numeracy skills, yet schools organize flamboyant ceremonies to impress parents.”
The National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has also weighed in, supporting regulation instead of prohibition. NAPTAN’s Secretary, Michael Omoruyi, said while the intention of the government is commendable, “graduation ceremonies, when modest, help children develop self-esteem and confidence. The problem arises when schools commercialize them beyond reason.”
With more states joining the ban, stakeholders remain divided on whether the policy will instill discipline and redirect focus to academics, or strip children of the joy of celebrating small milestones in their educational journey.