Maroc - VERACITY.COM.NG - A La Une - 09/Jan 15:09

Update: FG restricts school graduation ceremonies to key classes

The Federal Government has directed that graduation ceremonies in schools nationwide be limited to pupils completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3).The decision, officials said, aims to curb excessive celebrations and reduce the financial burden on parents.The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suiwaba Sa’idu, in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, on Friday.According to the statement, the move is part of ongoing reforms to reposition Nigeria’s education sector and ease the financial strain on families. “Graduation ceremonies have been streamlined to curb unnecessary financial pressure on parents,” it said.In addition, the Federal Government introduced a policy enforcing the use of standardised, durable textbooks designed to last four to six years. The policy seeks to eliminate frequent cosmetic textbook revisions that force parents to purchase new learning materials every academic session.The initiative allows siblings to share textbooks, reduces recurring education costs, and cuts waste within the school system, contributing to environmental sustainability. It also strengthens the assessment, selection, and use of textbooks and instructional materials nationwide.Officials noted that the reforms are part of broader efforts, including the introduction of a uniform academic calendar to ensure consistency in teaching, learning, and school planning across the country.