The Osun State Government has prohibited graduation ceremonies for nursery and kindergarten pupils across all public and private schools in the state.
The directive was contained in a circular dated September 19, 2025, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, M.A.K. Jimoh.
According to the ministry, the decision was taken to relieve parents of unnecessary financial burdens and to prevent the loss of valuable learning hours to elaborate, non-academic activities. 
“It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Education that elaborate graduation ceremonies for Nursery and Kindergarten pupils have become increasingly common,” the circular stated. It described such practices as a commercialisation of early childhood education, adding that they place undue pressure on families who are already struggling with rising living costs.
Graduation Limited to Key Academic Milestones
Going forward, graduation ceremonies will be restricted to pupils completing Primary Six and students finishing Senior Secondary School Three (SS3), which the government considers true transitional milestones in a child’s educational journey.
New Rules on Textbook Use
The Ministry also announced fresh regulations guiding the use of textbooks in both public and private schools, including faith-based institutions. Under the new policy:
Schools must adopt only government-approved textbooks.
The same textbooks should be used for a minimum of three years to ensure continuity and reduce the financial strain on parents with multiple children.
The controversial practice of merging or inserting workbooks into textbooks is strictly prohibited.
“Proprietors of faith-based and private schools are required to adhere strictly to the approved list of textbooks,” the circular emphasised.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The state government warned that any school found violating these directives could face sanctions, ranging from monetary fines to suspension or outright withdrawal of their operating licence.
Permanent Secretary Jimoh urged total compliance, stressing that the new policies were designed to uphold the integrity of education in Osun State, refocus attention on genuine academic achievements, and shield parents from exploitative practices.
