Osun State Government Prohibits Nursery and Kindergarten Graduation Ceremonies, Introduces New Textbook Policy
The Osun State Ministry of Education has rolled out a major policy reform banning elaborate graduation ceremonies for nursery and kindergarten pupils in both public and private schools across the state. The directive, which took effect on Thursday, September 19, 2025, is aimed at reducing financial pressure on parents and curbing the growing commercialization of early childhood education.
In a circular signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, M.A.K. Jimoh, the government emphasized that while recognizing educational milestones is important, the rising trend of organizing costly graduation parties for very young learners is unnecessary and unsustainable.
Graduation Ceremonies Restricted to Primary 6 and SSS3
According to the Ministry, only pupils completing Primary 6 and students graduating from Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies. All other forms of graduation, particularly for nursery and kindergarten levels, are now strictly prohibited.
The circular, distributed to education stakeholders including the Commissioner for Education, ANCOPSS, AOPSHON, NUT, PTA, NAPPS, AMIS, CMS, and other governing boards, stressed that schools and parents should focus on academic excellence rather than costly celebrations.
“This policy ensures that education remains functional and developmental, without placing unnecessary financial strain on parents,” the statement read. The Ministry added that excessive celebrations reduce valuable instructional time while draining family resources.
New Textbook Policy to Ease Financial Burden
In addition to the graduation directive, the government introduced a new policy on the use of textbooks in schools. Proprietors of private and faith-based schools are now required to strictly adhere to the Ministry’s approved list of textbooks, which will remain valid for a minimum of three years.
This arrangement is designed to allow siblings to share books over multiple sessions, significantly reducing the recurring cost of purchasing new textbooks every academic year.
The Ministry also banned textbooks with embedded workbooks, noting that such formats make books unusable after one session, defeating the goal of affordability and durability. “Henceforth, schools must discontinue the use of textbooks with workbooks inside them,” the directive stated.
Enforcement and Compliance
To ensure compliance, monitoring teams will conduct random checks across schools. Institutions found violating the new regulations risk facing disciplinary action, including fines or suspension of registration.
“The Osun State Government remains committed to delivering quality, accessible, and sustainable education. These reforms are designed to promote fairness, stability, and long-term benefits for families and learners,” the Ministry emphasized.
Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
The policy has sparked varied reactions among parents and school administrators. While many welcomed the move as a relief from unnecessary financial burdens, others argued that graduation ceremonies at nursery levels serve as motivation for young children.
Regardless of differing opinions, the enforcement of the new policy has already commenced, and all schools in Osun State are now expected to comply fully with the directives.