Niger govt bans graduation ceremonies in schools

The Niger State Government has reiterated that the ban on graduation ceremonies in public and private primary and secondary schools across the State remains in force, warning school authorities against flouting the directive.

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

In a statement issued by Hadiza Asabe Mohammed PhD, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, through a circular referenced MBSE/CIR/2026, the Government described the practice as exploitative, unacceptable and contrary to its policy of ensuring affordable and accessible education for all children.

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

The Government directed that no school authority should demand, collect or receive money from pupils, students, parents or guardians for graduation ceremonies or any related activities.

It specifically banned the collection of graduation fees and other charges associated with such ceremonies, including payments for gowns, entertainment, souvenirs and similar items.

However, the Government clarified that schools may organise Speech and Prize-Giving Day activities as part of end-of-session programmes, provided such events are planned, funded and managed solely by the school authorities without compulsory financial contributions from parents or guardians.

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

The statement 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 their parents.

It noted that sanctions for defaulters could include the 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 their operational licences, while repeat offenders could be blacklisted from operating educational institutions in the state.

To ensure compliance, Quality Assurance Officers, Education Secretaries, Zonal Directors and other monitoring teams have been directed to enforce the directive across the state.

Parents and guardians were also encouraged to report any school violating the directive to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for prompt investigation and necessary action.