Niger Govt Reiterates Ban on Graduation Ceremonies in Schools

The Niger State Government has again reminded proprietors and administrators of public and private primary and secondary schools that the ban on graduation ceremonies remains in force.
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‎In a statement signed by Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammad, the government said it observed that some schools still organise graduation ceremonies and compel parents to pay fees for gowns, souvenirs, entertainment, and other charges.
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‎The government described the practice as exploitative and contrary to its policy of affordable education.
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‎The government stated that graduation ceremonies remain strictly prohibited in all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state, adding that no school authority is permitted to demand or collect money from pupils, students, parents or guardians for graduation or any related activities.
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‎It said schools are, however, permitted to organise Speech and Prize-Giving Day as part of end-of-session programmes. Such events must be planned, funded and managed solely by the school authorities without compulsory financial contributions from parents or guardians.
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‎The statement stressed that Speech and Prize-Giving Day must not be transformed into graduation ceremonies in any form.
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‎The government warned that violations would attract sanctions, including cancellation of unauthorised ceremonies, refund of illegally collected funds, suspension of school heads, closure of schools, and revocation of licences for private schools. Repeat offenders risk being blacklisted.
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‎The government added that Quality Assurance Officers and monitoring teams have been directed to enforce compliance.
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‎Parents and guardians were urged to report schools violating the directive to the ministry for investigation and action.