The Ekiti State Government has prohibited graduation ceremonies for pupils in kindergarten, nursery, primary, and secondary schools across the state.

The announcement was made in a statement posted on the government’s official X handle, declaring that “the ban is effective from the 2025/2026 academic session and applies to every public and private school in the state.”

Authorities explained that the move is intended to refocus attention on academic development rather than social activities. “Schools are urged to prioritise improving the quality of education and to desist from organising elaborate parties,” the statement read.

The government further emphasised that the directive is designed to relieve families of the stress and financial strain associated with planning such events. “The ban aims to ease the burden of planning and preparing for ceremonies on parents,” it noted.

Alongside the restriction on graduation parties, the state also introduced a new textbook review policy. According to the guidelines, “primary schools can only change textbooks once every six years, while secondary schools can only change textbooks once in four years.”

The policy, it added, is part of an effort to encourage continuity in learning materials. “The new book review cycle aims to promote sustainability in education,” the government stated.

Non-compliance, the circular warned, will attract penalties. “Schools that fail to comply with the new directives may face sanctions directed by the state ministry of education,” the statement concluded.

With this decision, Ekiti joins other states such as Imo, Edo, Ogun, Ondo, and Abia, which have already banned graduation ceremonies in schools