The Delta State government has issued a firm reminder to private school operators about the complete prohibition of graduation parties and all related end-of-year festivities. Authorities have warned that any institution caught breaching this order will face severe repercussions, including the possibility of a five-year shutdown of the school.
This renewed emphasis comes on the heels of reports that some school administrators across the state have resumed alerting parents and employees about upcoming end-of-term events. The government first imposed the ban in September 2025, aiming to relieve families of what it called an avoidable financial strain caused by lavish ceremonies.
Former Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, stated that the policy aligns with the state’s consistent educational framework. Education stakeholders have endorsed the measure, arguing that it reduces the cost of schooling, upholds quality standards, and refocuses attention on learning rather than expensive social gatherings.
A recent circular, allegedly from the office of the Commissioner for Secondary Education, was distributed among school owners and principals. It explicitly outlawed “graduation parties, however named” in Delta, threatening a five-year closure for non-compliant schools. While some initially doubted the authenticity of the message, a proprietress from Sapele local government area (who preferred anonymity) verified its validity. She noted that the local Chief Inspector of Education (CIE) had earlier communicated the prohibition, and the latest notice simply reinforces the rule.
Ezewu cautioned that schools imposing special graduation fees or organizing flamboyant events would attract sanctions. The government has also indicated broader regulatory efforts targeting private schools, aiming to curb frequent textbook changes, multiple uniform sets, and other hidden costs that inflate education expenses and burden parents.
Parents are advised to confirm with school heads well ahead of time if any celebrations are being planned.