Osun Govt Bans Graduation Ceremonies For Nursery, JSS 3 Students
The Osun State Government has banned graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, and Junior secondary school (JSS 3) students in the state.
In a circular issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Murtala Jimoh, on Friday, the state government also banned the writing of classwork and homework inside textbooks.
The circular noted that the graduation ceremony is now permitted for only Primary 6 graduating pupils and Senior Secondary Schools SSS3 students.
It added that the policy aims to ensure that students, parents, guardians, and stakeholders and
Schools focus on the academic achievements of students at the end of their primary and secondary education.
The circular further stated that the use of workbooks inside the textbook should stop henceforth to ensure that the textbook is not only for a session.
The circular read in parts, “While we appreciate efforts to celebrate educational milestones, the current trend has raised serious concerns regarding the financial burden on parents, loss of valuable
instructional time and the commercialization of early childhood education.
“Consequently, graduation ceremonies and parties are only permitted for: Primary 6 graduating pupils and Senior secondary schools SSS3 students.
“This policy aims to ensure that students, parents, guardians, and stakeholders and schools focus on the academic achievements of students at the end of their primary and secondary education cycles.
“To promote stability and consistency in education, proprietors of faith-based and private schools are required to adhere to the approved list of textbooks. These textbooks are designed to be used for a period of three years, allowing children (pupils and students) to use the textbook of their sibling for three consecutive years.
“In addition, the use of workbook inside the textbook should stop henceforth to ensure that the textbook is not only for a session.
The circular said, “monitoring teams will be going around the schools for compliance,” adding that “any school found violating this policy will face appropriate disciplinary measures, including fines or suspension of registration.”
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
