The Ogun State Government has revised its earlier directive on end-of-session celebrations in schools, introducing new guidelines that permit graduation ceremonies for learners in terminal classes while maintaining restrictions aimed at reducing financial pressure on parents and guardians.

The latest position was contained in a circular issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology through the Department of Private Schools and dated June 18, 2026.

The development comes days after the government's initial directive banning end-of-session parties and related celebrations in public and private schools generated widespread reactions from school proprietors, parents and other stakeholders.

In the new circular, the ministry said the revised guidelines followed concerns raised by stakeholders and were intended to protect parents and guardians from what it described as unnecessary financial burdens associated with school celebrations.

Under the directive, graduation ceremonies for learners in Nursery, Kindergarten and other non-terminal classes have been prohibited.

The government stated that such ceremonies are unnecessary and directed that graduation activities be restricted strictly to pupils and students completing recognised stages of their education, namely Primary Six, Junior Secondary School (JSS 3) and Senior Secondary School (SSS 3).

The ministry, however, allowed graduation ceremonies for these terminal classes, provided they are conducted in a modest manner and at no financial cost to learners, parents or guardians.

It further prohibited the use of canopies, Aso Ebi, customised attire and other forms of what it described as extravagant social displays during graduation events.

Schools were also encouraged to focus on academic recognition and character development rather than elaborate celebrations that could impose financial strain on families.

The circular directed proprietors, school heads and administrators of both public and private schools to give the directive wide publicity and ensure strict compliance.

It warned that any school found violating the guidelines would face sanctions in accordance with existing regulations governing educational institutions in the state.