The Osun State Government has banned graduation ceremonies for nursery and kindergarten pupils in both public and private schools across the state.
The directive, issued through a circular dated September 19, 2025, was signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, M. A. K. Jimoh. It cited the growing financial strain on parents and the disruption of academic activities caused by elaborate ceremonies as reasons for the ban.
According to the ministry, only pupils completing Primary Six and Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) will henceforth be permitted to hold graduation ceremonies, as these mark the end of major academic cycles.
The circular also introduced new guidelines for textbook usage in schools. Proprietors of public, private, and faith-based schools are now mandated to adhere to an approved list of textbooks, which must be used for a minimum of three years. The ministry further prohibited the practice of embedding workbooks inside textbooks, stressing that the measure will reduce costs and allow siblings to use the same materials consecutively.
The government warned that schools violating these policies risk disciplinary actions, including fines or suspension of registration.
Officials emphasized that the reforms are aimed at restoring focus on academic excellence, reducing unnecessary financial pressures on parents, and ensuring stability in the state’s education system.
