Osun Govt Issues Fresh Order On Graduation Ceremonies, Use Of Textbooks, Workbooks

News Update

THE Osun State Ministry of Education has announced a ban on elaborate graduation ceremonies for nursery and kindergarten pupils in both private and public schools across the state.

In a circular on Friday, the ministry said the growing trend of elaborate ceremonies for early childhood classes has become a source of concern due to the financial pressure it places on parents, the loss of valuable instructional time, and the commercialisation of education.

According to the directive, graduation ceremonies and parties are now only permitted for Primary Six pupils and Senior Secondary School (SSS3) students.

“This policy aims to ensure that students, parents, guardians, and schools focus on the academic achievements of pupils at the end of their primary and secondary education cycles, while also reducing significant financial expenditure that places undue pressure on families,” the circular noted.

The circular also introduced a new textbook usage policy for faith-based and private schools, requiring proprietors to strictly adhere to the list of approved textbooks valid for a minimum of three years.

It further prohibited the use of workbooks inside textbooks, stressing that textbooks should not be restricted to a single session.

The ministry warned that monitoring teams will conduct random checks to ensure compliance, adding that schools found violating the policy would face disciplinary measures, including fines or suspension of registration.

“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, using of workbook inside the textbook should stop henceforth to ensure that the textbook is not only for a session.

“All schools are expected to comply strictly with this directive. Monitoring teams will conduct random checks, and any school found violating this policy will face appropriate disciplinary measures, including fines or suspension of registration.

“We count on your full cooperation to uphold the integrity and purpose of education. Thank you”, the circular concluded.