Graduation Parties: DTSG Makes U-Turn, Issues Strict Guidelines

The Delta State Government has issued fresh guidelines regulating graduation ceremonies, end-of-session celebrations, prize-giving events and other related activities in public and non-state primary and secondary schools across the state.

The new policy signals a shift from the government’s earlier hardline stance on school graduation activities. In September 2025, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education announced a blanket ban on graduation parties and lavish end-of-session celebrations, describing them as an unnecessary financial burden on parents and guardians. The government reiterated the position in June 2026, warning that schools organising such events, “or whatever name they are called,” would face stiff sanctions, including closure for up to five years.

However, the latest circular replaces the broad prohibition with a regulated framework that permits only approved graduation ceremonies while retaining a ban on graduation parties and other extravagant activities.

The directive, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Akambe O.H., was addressed to Chief Inspectors of Education in the state’s 25 local government areas, as well as principals and head teachers of public and non-state primary and secondary schools.

According to the circular, the policy became necessary following growing concerns over the increasing financial burden placed on parents and guardians through excessive and, in some cases, compulsory charges associated with school ceremonies.

The Ministry stated that while graduation and end-of-session ceremonies remain important for celebrating academic achievements, promoting social interaction and strengthening school-community relations, they must not undermine access to education or become commercial ventures.

Under the new guidelines, graduation ceremonies and prize-giving events are now restricted to only Primary Six and Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) pupils and students. Schools are expressly prohibited from organising graduation ceremonies for pre-primary classes, Junior Secondary School Three (JSS3) or any other non-terminal class.

The government also directed that no school shall organise, publicise, commence preparations for, or impose levies for graduation or end-of-session ceremonies without first obtaining approval from the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education. Applications must be submitted at least one week before the proposed event and accompanied by the programme of activities, venue, estimated expenditure and a signed letter of undertaking.

The approved programme for school ceremonies is limited to educational activities such as opening prayers, rendition of the National and Delta State anthems, welcome addresses, educational, cultural and artistic presentations, valedictory speeches, presentation of certificates, merit-based awards, remarks by the PTA or School-Based Management Committee (SBMC), vote of thanks and group photographs.

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The Ministry also prohibited compulsory levies, mandatory purchase of graduation gowns, uniforms, souvenirs or ceremonial materials, compulsory dress codes that impose additional financial burdens on parents, graduation parties, after-parties, live bands, disc jockeys (DJs), excessive entertainment, the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages, and the mandatory use or sale of commemorative fabrics popularly known as “Aso-Ebi.”

Schools were further directed not to withhold certificates, testimonials or any official school records from learners on the grounds of non-payment or non-participation in school ceremonies.

The circular emphasised that participation in school ceremonies must remain voluntary and inclusive. Learners are to attend in approved school uniforms or other school-approved attire, while parents and invited guests are free to wear decent clothing of their choice, provided it aligns with the values and decorum of the school environment.

The Ministry also stated that sponsorship of graduation ceremonies by corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations, old students’ associations, community groups or individuals must receive prior approval through the appropriate Chief Inspector of Education. It stressed that such sponsorship must not create direct or indirect financial obligations for parents, guardians or learners.

Principals and head teachers have been made responsible for ensuring strict compliance with the guidelines.

The government warned that schools violating the directives risk administrative and disciplinary sanctions, including cancellation of the ceremony, withdrawal or suspension of operational approval where applicable, suspension from participation in certificate examinations for up to five years, and any other sanctions deemed appropriate by the Ministry.

Chief Inspectors of Education have been directed to monitor compliance across their jurisdictions, while parents, guardians and learners were encouraged to report violations to the Ministry through designated telephone lines or through the Chief Inspectors of Education.

The guidelines take immediate effect and apply to all public and non-state primary and secondary schools across Delta State.