By Babatunde Ayedoju
The Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has issued a final and stern warning to all private primary and secondary school proprietors in the state regarding unauthorised graduation and promotion ceremonies for non-terminal classes.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, expressed the Ministry’s grave concern over the persistent defiance of the state government’s ban on such activities, citing reported violation of the state government’s directive.
Reiterating the government’s position, Ajibefun emphasised that such events serve no academic purpose and place an undue, unnecessary financial burden on parents and guardians.
“Furthermore, these activities disrupt the academic calendar and shift the focus of schools away from their primary mandate of qualitative teaching and learning,” the commissioner stated.
The Ministry directed that all private schools must immediately halt any ongoing plan or advertisement of graduation ceremonies for non-terminal classes.
It insisted that only formal promotion ceremonies for students completing their final year of primary or secondary education are permitted, and these must be conducted with strict moderation.
He said, “Schools are advised to concentrate their resources and attention on curriculum completion and student welfare, rather than engaging in ceremonial activities that do not contribute to the educational development of the child.”
Ajibefun affirmed that the Ministry maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards non-compliance, as the state government is prepared to impose severe sanctions on any institution found violating this directive.
The Ministry also called on parents and guardians to report any school that mandates or pressures them to pay fees or contribute towards graduation ceremonies for non-terminal classes.
“The government guarantees that all reports will be investigated, and any school confirmed to be in violation will face stringent administrative penalties.
“Parents and stakeholders are encouraged to report such grievances formally to the Ministry of Education. Reports can also be submitted via text message to 09138328062.”