Ondo Targets Unapproved Schools, Bans Lavish Graduation Parties

The Ondo State Government has placed a ban on graduation ceremonies for nursery, primary, and Junior Secondary School students as part of new measures to reform the education sector. The move follows growing concerns that such events had become avenues for unnecessary expenses imposed on parents.

Education Commissioner, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, said the state was determined to reposition schools by setting new approval standards, re-accrediting private schools, and shutting down illegal ones. He stated that operators of unapproved schools would be given six months to comply before enforcement begins.

The commissioner explained that the government was also addressing other practices that exploit parents, such as forcing them to purchase new textbooks every academic year. He said siblings of pupils would now be allowed to reuse books over time to ease household expenses.

Ajibefun further warned schools against organising excursions without clearance from the Ministry, citing security risks. He added that Ondo State was rolling out a digital platform for both primary and secondary schools as part of ongoing efforts to modernise the system.