Graduation ceremonies have traditionally marked significant milestones in a student’s academic journey and occasions to celebrate hard work, reflect on progress, and look ahead with hope for a brighter future. These events showcase the dedication of teachers, the accomplishments of learners that inspire both graduates and those following behind.
However, what used to be a dignified rite of passage at the higher institutions level has over the past few decades trickled down to the lowest levels of the academic ladder of kindergarten. This trend has prompted serious concern, particularly in Imo State, where the government recently took a bold step: banning graduation ceremonies for nursery and Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3) classes.
This decision has sparked nationwide conversation. The policy still allows celebrations for Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS 3) graduates, aligning with Nigeria’s official 6-3-3-4 education structure. Yet, opinions are sharply divided. Some see it as necessary; others as overly restrictive.
Why the Ban?
At the heart of this decision is a growing concern over the financial pressure these ceremonies place on parents/guardians, especially those already struggling to meet basic school expenses.
What started as small, meaningful school events have evolved into extravagant affairs complete with designer outfits, professional photoshoots, choreographed dances, convoy attendance, and party venues fit for weddings. Sadly, even families in low-income level now feel forced to participate in these displays, often at great personal cost.
This raises some important questions: Are we turning simple school transitions into status symbols? Should young children’s academic milestones require such financial burden?
It’s hard to deny that these ceremonies have become excessive. In higher institutions, graduation is straightforward. Academic gowns are provided and hired at minimal cost with its attendance as optional. Compare that with Secondary schools, nursery and kindergarten graduations ceremonies where some parents take loans to throw parties that last just for few hours.
In many schools, preparations for graduation ceremonies (or “Valedictory Services”) begin weeks before final examinations, with students more focused on dance routines and photo shoots than their studies.
And let’s not forget that Primary 6 and SSS 3 are the actual transition points in the national curriculum, where school children move from basic to secondary schools or from secondary school to higher institutions. These are the logical stages for formal graduation celebrations.
Regulation vs. Outright Ban
Rather than a total ban, a regulated approach may offer a more sustainable solution. Banning the ceremony outright may be interpreted as a suppression of cultural expression or institutional tradition. Instead, a middle ground regulation that allows modest, school-based acknowledgements without excess can still give children a sense of achievement.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GRADUATION EVENTS
1. School-Based Ceremonies Only: Events should be limited to school premises during school hours to avoid costs associated with external venues and logistics. If any parent wants to do elaborate ceremony, it should be in their private homes for family members and friends to come together to express and share their joy in honor of the graduate.
2. Dress Code: Government should mandate the introduction and use of school academic gowns to be hired at a very low cost. This will offer the benefits of reducing the financial pressure on families to purchase expensive outfits. All graduates will appear in uniformed outfits and eliminates the feeling of some graduates outfits being of higher quality than that of others. Graduates will be celebrating on equal status and eliminates the feeling of inferiority complex.
3. Ban External Vendors: Say goodbye to outside decorators, photographers, caterers, and entertainers at school-hosted events. This keeps the focus on education and not entertainment.
4. Time Limit: Restrict the duration of events to one day programme and ensure they don’t interrupt examination preparation or academic activities. Schools preparations for graduation ceremony or what is fondly called Valedictory Service (VS) have been noted to affect the academic activities of schools in the third term of the academic year.
5. Empower Parents Forums: Engage the PTA in planning and oversight to prevent financial exploitation and maintain transparency.
CONCLUSION:
The rising culture of lavish graduation ceremonies for kindergarten and lower secondary school students is a symptom of broader societal values around status and celebration. Lavish graduation ceremony often reflects poor value for financial discipline which should not be allowed to be inculcated by school children, our future leaders. It is a known fact that many parents are having difficulties paying normal school fees.
While such events can foster pride and motivation but when taken to excess, they place undue pressure on families and dilute the essence of education.
The Imo State Government’s ban is a great initiative and bold step that throws challenge to all stakeholders to reflect on what we truly want our educational celebrations to represent.
A nationwide adoption with room for well thought out peculiar domestic considerations in the formulations of regulations may just be the balance needed to restore sanity, equity, and purpose to how we mark educational progress in Nigeria. The burden of lavish graduation ceremony which is better described as hidden cost of education should be properly regulated either through a policy or legislative process.
Let our ceremonies be meaningful and not materialistic.
Iskil Yussuf
Executive Director
Child Development and Concern Foundation