THE Delta State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, in new guidelines, has banned compulsory levies, aso ebi, disc jockeys, after-parties and alcohol at graduation ceremonies and end-of-session celebrations.
The directive warned that violators risk cancellation of their events and even suspension from certificate examinations for up to five years.
In a circular, dated July 2, with reference number DSME/SCH4/642/5, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Akambe O.H., for the Commissioner, and addressed to all Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs) across the 25 local government areas and all principals and head teachers of public and non-state primary and secondary schools in the state, the ministry cited complaints from parents and guardians over growing financial demands attached to graduation ceremonies and end-of-session activities.
It lamented that what were originally conceived as academic celebrations had evolved into platforms for imposing “unnecessary, excessive and at times, compulsory financial charges” on families, saying the government remained firmly committed to ensuring that access to education is not hindered by financial obligations and educational objectives are not undermined by commercial or extraneous interests.
Under the new guidelines, approval is now mandatory and no school may organise, publicise or begin preparations for any end-of-session event or demand any levy without obtaining prior approval from the commissioner, submitted at least one week before the event.
Documents required for approval include a proposed programme of events, a signed Letter of Undertaking, proposed venue and date, and estimated expenditure, where applicable.
Graduation ceremonies and prize-giving events are henceforth restricted to Primary Six (Primary 6) and Senior Secondary Three (SS3) only, and under no circumstance shall graduation ceremonies be organised for Pre-Primary classes, Junior Secondary Three (JS3) or any non-terminal class.
It stated that all approved school ceremonies must remain modest, educational and free from social or commercialised display.
The approved programme of events is limited to opening prayer, national and state anthem, welcome address, presentation of school report and achievements, inspirational or career guidance session, brief educational, cultural or artistic presentations, valedictory address, certificate presentation, merit-based awards, PTA/SBMC remarks, vote of thanks and group photographs.
The guidelines banned the collection of compulsory levies or contributions for graduation ceremonies; compulsory purchase of gowns, uniforms, souvenirs or ceremonial materials as a condition for participation; mandatory colour-code or dress requirements that impose additional financial burdens on parents; organisation of graduation parties or after-parties unrelated to educational objectives; engagement of Disc Jockeys (DJs), live bands or excessive entertainment services, including comedies sales, promotion or consumption of alcoholic beverages.
The ministry added that any activity creating direct or indirect financial pressure on families, such as sale, promotion or mandatory use of commemorative fabrics, graduation aso-ebi or similar ceremonial attire by parents are outlawed.
The circular stated that no prohibited activity shall be permitted under any alternative name, arrangement for the purpose of circumventing these guidelines.
It stated that participation in all school ceremonies must remain voluntary and no learner shall be excluded or denied participation on account of inability to pay any levy, while results, certificates, testimonials or any official school record shall not be withheld on the basis of non-participation or non-payment.
Learners shall attend in approved school uniforms, while parents and guests are free to wear decent attire of their choice, provided it aligns with the values and decorum of the school environment.
Under the guidelines, corporate organisations, NGOs, old students associations and individuals wishing to sponsor graduation ceremonies must apply and obtain prior approval through the appropriate Chief Inspector of Education.
Such sponsors must provide a written undertaking to assume full financial responsibility for the event, stressing that under no circumstance shall any sponsorship result in direct or indirect financial obligations on parents, guardians or learners.
It reiterated that school heads,
principals and head teachers would bear primary responsibility for ensuring full adherence to all provisions of the guidelines, warning that schools found to have violated the guidelines, whether in whole or in part, risk outright cancellation of the ceremony; withdrawal or suspension of school operational approval; suspension from participation in certificate examinations for up to five years; and any other corrective or disciplinary measure as determined by the ministry, which reserves the right to impose additional sanctions where circumstances demand.
Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs) across all the 25 local government areas were charged with monitoring and ensuring compliance within their jurisdictions, while parents, guardians and learners were encouraged to report any violations, including demands for payment, exclusion from events or non-compliance with dress standards, directly to the ministry.
It assured that all complaints shall be treated with utmost confidentiality.
All reports and complaints can be made through 08037839681, 08067243060, 08125303257 or the Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs).
The directive said the guidelines took immediate effect and apply to all graduation ceremonies, end-of-session and related school events conducted by both public and private primary and secondary schools in the state from the date of issuance.
