Delta Govt Bans Graduation Parties In Private Schools, Warns Defaulters Of Sanctions

The Delta State Government has reiterated its ban on graduation parties and similar celebrations in schools across the state, warning that institutions that violate the directive risk severe sanctions.

The warning resurfaced following a message circulated among school proprietors and administrators, purportedly from the office of the Commissioner for Secondary Education, stating that “graduation parties or whatever name they are tagged” are prohibited in Delta State and that any school found culpable could face a five-year ban.

The directive was further confirmed by a school proprietress in Uvwie Local Government Area (name withheld) who noted that the local Chief Inspector of Education (CIE) had earlier communicated the policy to schools, dismissing claims that the message was fake.

The state’s position is consistent with earlier pronouncements by the Delta State Government aimed at curbing practices considered exploitative and financially burdensome to parents. In September 2025, the then Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, announced a ban on elaborate graduation parties in private schools, describing the trend as an unnecessary financial burden on families. She warned that schools imposing graduation levies or organizing extravagant ceremonies would face sanctions.

The government had also indicated plans to tighten regulations on private schools, particularly regarding frequent changes of textbooks, multiple school uniforms, and other charges imposed on parents. Education authorities argued that such practices contribute to rising educational costs and place undue pressure on families.

Delta is not alone in taking such measures. Several states, including Imo, Ondo, Kogi, Benue and Niger, have introduced similar restrictions on graduation ceremonies, especially for nursery, kindergarten and junior secondary school pupils, citing the need to reduce financial burdens on parents and refocus attention on academic achievement rather than social celebrations.

ALSO READ: NUJ South-South Raises Alarm Over Fake Military Escorts, Calls for Stronger Security, Road Infrastructure

Education stakeholders say the policy is intended to promote affordability, enforce standards in schools and discourage excessive spending associated with end-of-session celebrations.

While the Delta State Government has yet to issue a fresh public circular on the latest warning, school administrators across parts of the state have reportedly begun notifying parents and staff of the directive as preparations for end-of-session activities gather momentum.