The Osun State Government has outlawed graduation parties for nursery and kindergarten pupils in both public and private schools across the state.
This directive was issued by the Ministry of Education in a circular dated September 19, 2025, and signed by the Permanent Secretary, M. A. K. Jimoh.
According to the document, the decision follows concerns that elaborate celebrations at early-childhood levels place an unnecessary financial burden on parents and disrupt academic learning time.
“The Ministry has observed the growing trend of elaborate graduation events for nursery and kindergarten pupils, which has become increasingly common,” the circular noted.
While acknowledging that such events are often intended to mark milestones, the ministry said they have turned early education into a commercial activity and placed undue stress on families.
Under the new policy, graduation ceremonies will now be limited to pupils completing Primary 6 and students finishing Senior Secondary School 3.
“In light of the above, the Ministry of Education bans all graduation ceremonies for nursery and kindergarten pupils with immediate effect,” the circular stated.
The government explained that the policy aims to ensure focus remains on academic achievement at the end of formal primary and secondary education cycles rather than at the early years.
In addition, the ministry issued new rules on textbook usage in all schools, including faith-based institutions. Proprietors are now required to strictly follow an approved list of textbooks.
The circular added that each approved textbook must be used for at least three years so that siblings can benefit consecutively, and the practice of attaching workbooks inside textbooks must end immediately.
To promote consistency, private and faith-based schools must adhere to the approved textbook list or face sanctions, including fines or suspension of their registration.
“We count on your full cooperation to maintain the integrity and purpose of education,” Jimoh said.
The Punch reports that Imo State was the first to take action against nursery and kindergarten graduation ceremonies, with several states — including Ekiti and now Osun — following suit.
