Ondo State Bans Graduation Ceremonies in Nursery and JSS3 Classes

Akure, Nigeria — The Ondo State Government has announced a ban on graduation ceremonies for nursery schools and Junior Secondary School III (JSS3) across the state, as part of ongoing reforms to reposition the education sector under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration.

The decision, which applies to both public and private schools, was disclosed on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, following a stakeholders’ meeting with proprietors and school owners from all 18 local government areas.

 “To restore the education sector to its former enviable status, the ministry has taken decisive steps to sanitise private school operations. These include banning graduation ceremonies for nursery and JSS3 classes, shutting down unregistered schools, and re-accrediting existing private schools to ensure quality assurance,” Ajibefun explained.

He noted that while private schools contribute significantly to education delivery, lapses in regulation had led to deterioration, hence the need for urgent reforms.

The commissioner further directed strict adherence to the use of approved textbooks, compliance with the official curriculum and school calendar, as well as observance of public holidays.

Ajibefun announced a six-month grace period for unapproved schools to regularise their status, adding that conditions for registration would soon be reviewed to make the process more accessible.

He also warned against exploitative practices such as compelling parents to purchase new textbooks annually, stressing that siblings should be allowed to reuse books for a reasonable duration.

In addition, the commissioner disclosed that the ministry was working towards digitising the education system, with plans to migrate pupils in primary and secondary schools to a digital learning platform.

 “Schools unable to meet the irreducible minimum standards set by government should be prepared to find another business,” Ajibefun cautioned.

By Adeola Olaniya | August 28, 2025