By Idowu Adebomi, Ado-Ekiti
As schools across Nigeria prepare to resume for a new academic session, fresh calls have reached Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji to follow the example of his Ondo State counterpart by banning graduation and “sign-out” parties across schools in the state.
Those advocating for a ban argue that the ceremonies have lost their educational purpose, becoming dominated by frivolities and inappropriate conduct, particularly among secondary school students. They also accuse school proprietors of exploiting parents financially by turning graduations into a platform for extortion.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), led by Isa Onilu, has emerged as one of the strongest voices against these celebrations, pushing for the abolition of graduation parties, sign-out ceremonies, and the practice of dressing nursery and kindergarten pupils in academic gowns. The Agency lamented the financial strain parents face to meet such demands, describing the practice as “selfish and exploitative.”
The Association of School Proprietors in Ekiti, however, responded firmly, insisting that private schools remain independent entities and should not be dictated to by government on financial or administrative matters. They argued that many graduation events are initiated by parents themselves, who want to mark milestones in their children’s lives with memorable celebrations.
While both sides trade accusations and defend their positions, the state government and Ministry of Education have so far maintained silence. Observers suggest that Governor Oyebanji, who is deeply engaged in re-election campaigns and navigating Ekiti’s sensitive political terrain, may not wish to antagonise any stakeholder at this stage by wading into a polarising issue.
Ekiti, long celebrated for its strong educational traditions, now faces fresh pressure as parents brace for the start of a new term. School fees are expected to rise again, with private institutions citing taxation and operational costs as justification. Beyond tuition, schools also generate significant income from end-of-year parties, where displays of wealth and flamboyance by parents are common. For some families, the absence of such events could even become grounds for withdrawing their children.
Critics of the ban contend that many of the problems linked to graduation ceremonies are actually driven by parents themselves. From the short skirts worn by pupils to the expensive outfits paraded at parties, much of the responsibility lies with parental choices. They argue that outlawing school-organised events would not prevent students from organising unsupervised gatherings elsewhere, where more troubling behaviour could occur.
Rather than imposing outright cancellation, education stakeholders suggest a middle ground: parties should be held during the day under strict supervision of teachers and parents. In their view, it is better to control such activities within a structured environment than to push them into secrecy, where the risks are higher.
The debate over graduation parties in Ekiti has exposed wider tensions about the balance between cultural expression, parental responsibility, and the role of private education in a society already burdened by rising costs. Whether the state government intervenes or leaves the matter to parents and schools, the issue is likely to remain a flashpoint as the new school year begins.