Some parents and stakeholders in Kogi state have commended the decision of the Imo government to ban graduation ceremonies in primary schools, and called for nationwide abolition of the practice.
They expressed their views in separate interviews with journalists on Saturday, describing the practice as exploitative and a financial burden.
The Chairman of the Kogi NGO Network (KONGONET), Hamza Aliyu said the proliferation of elaborate ceremonies in nursery and primary schools had turned into show-offs among parents.
He advised schools to adopt modest, pupils-centred activities that celebrate pupils’ achievements without overburdening parents.
Elizabeth Animoku, director, planning, research and statistics, Kogi Ministry of Education, said the measure would relieve parents of unnecessary costs.
She encouraged parents to reserve elaborate celebrations for university convocations, which she described as “more meaningful.”
Also, Simeon Omakoji, a former chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kogi, said the ban would reduce commercialisation of the ceremonies by private schools.
However, Lilian Okolo, former chairperson of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kogi, argued that such ceremonies boost children’s confidence. She urged regulation instead of a blanket ban.
She recommended modest alternatives such as in-school prize-giving days, cultural showcases, and “moving-up” activities to mark the end of a phase without imposing financial pressure.
Dare Olukaiyeja, a retired director in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, described graduation ceremonies at the basic level as “purely extortionist,” saying the ban would bring relief to parents.
“There is nothing to celebrate at nursery and primary school level. Wasteful spending should be discouraged for the good of our children and their future,” he added.
