Niger restates ban on graduation ceremonies in public, private schools

The Niger State Government has reminded proprietors, directors, principals, head teachers, school administrators, parents and guardians that the ban on graduation ceremonies in public and private primary and secondary schools across the state remains in force.

The government said it had observed with concern that, despite earlier directives, some schools were still organising graduation ceremonies and compelling parents and guardians to make payments under different names, including graduation fees, gowns, souvenirs, entertainment and other charges.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Hadiza Asabe Mohammad, and issued in Minna through a circular with reference number MBSE/CIR/2026, the government described the practice as exploitative, unacceptable and contrary to its policy of ensuring affordable and accessible education for children.

According to the statement, the organisation of graduation ceremonies in all public and private primary and secondary schools remains strictly prohibited.

It added that no school authority should demand, collect or receive money from pupils, students, parents or guardians for graduation ceremonies or related activities.

The government also prohibited the collection of graduation fees, purchase of gowns, entertainment levies, souvenirs and other graduation-related charges.

However, schools were permitted to organise Speech and Prize-Giving Day activities as part of end-of-session programmes, provided such events were planned, funded and managed strictly by the school authorities without compulsory financial contributions from parents or guardians.

The statement stressed that Speech and Prize-Giving Day activities must not be transformed into graduation ceremonies in any form.

The government warned that any violation of the directive would be treated as a serious breach of educational policy and an act of exploitation against pupils and parents.

It said sanctions for defaulters could include cancellation of unauthorised graduation ceremonies, refund of illegally collected funds, disciplinary action against responsible officers in public schools, suspension of principals, head teachers and administrators found culpable, and closure of schools pending investigation where necessary.

The government added that private schools found violating the directive risk suspension, withdrawal or revocation of operational licences, while repeat offenders could be blacklisted from operating educational institutions in the state.

It directed Quality Assurance Officers, Education Secretaries, Zonal Directors and monitoring teams to ensure strict enforcement of the directive across the state.

Parents and guardians were also urged to report schools violating the directive to the ministry for investigation and necessary action.