Graduation Parties Remain Banned, Prize-Giving Ceremonies Allowed — But Without Celebrations, Says Delta Education Commissioner

Schools may still organize prize-giving ceremonies to reward outstanding students, but graduation parties and other celebratory gatherings remain prohibited within school premises and during school hours, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, has clarified.

Speaking in a phone interview with Oasis Magazine, Dr. Ashibogwu said the state’s position on graduation parties has not changed despite growing confusion among private school owners over end-of-session activities, stressing that schools must not use prize-giving ceremonies as a substitute for banned celebrations.

According to him, recognizing academic excellence is encouraged, but such recognition must be carried out without parties or festivities.

The clarification follows concerns among school proprietors after reports emerged that some schools were considering replacing graduation ceremonies with prize-giving events while still retaining elements of celebration.

Dr. Ashibogwu explained that schools are free to reward deserving students through award presentations and recognition programmes, provided such events are conducted in a simple and orderly manner.

“Prize giving could be done at the assembly ground. That is rewarding excellence. You can reward excellence without a party,” he said.

The commissioner noted that the Ministry of Education had previously issued a circular on the matter and is only reiterating its existing directive.

He reaffirmed that the ban on graduation parties remains in force, emphasizing that the policy is clear and does not require further interpretation.

“The position is very clear. It doesn’t need interpretation,” he stated.

Dr. Ashibogwu further explained that the government’s decision is part of efforts to maintain discipline and promote academic excellence across schools in the state.

“Just as we have zero tolerance for exam malpractice and extortion, we are also saying zero tolerance for immoral activities that will distort academic excellence,” he said.

He stressed that while families are free to celebrate their children privately outside the school environment, schools must not host parties or social gatherings under any guise.

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“If you want to organize a party, you could organize yourselves in your parlour with the father, the mother and the children and celebrate. But not within school premises, not within school hours,” he added.

The commissioner urged school administrators and proprietors to strictly comply with the directive, warning against attempts to rebrand or disguise graduation parties as other school activities.

The clarification is expected to provide guidance for schools preparing for end-of-session programmes, allowing them to recognize outstanding academic performance through prize-giving ceremonies while complying with the state’s ban on school-based celebrations.