By Erewunmi Peace

The Ogun State Government has announced new measures to regulate school activities, banning lavish graduation parties and enforcing a six-year textbook usage cycle across schools in the state.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, made the announcement in Abeokuta, stressing that the decision aims to reduce financial pressure on parents and refocus attention on academic excellence.

According to the new directive, graduation ceremonies will now be limited to three major transition levels: Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3), and Senior Secondary School 3 (SS 3). The state government frowned at the growing culture of hosting elaborate parties for non-terminal classes such as nursery or kindergarten, describing it as unnecessary and burdensome for families.

In addition, schools have been instructed to adopt a six-year cycle for prescribed textbooks, ensuring that once a book is approved, it remains in use for at least six academic years before being replaced. Prof. Arigbabu explained that this policy is designed to curb the frequent and costly practice of changing textbooks almost every session.

The government warned that schools that fail to comply with these directives will face sanctions. It also assured parents and guardians that the reforms will ease financial stress while keeping education standards in line with best practices.

With these policies, the Ogun State Government says it is determined to promote quality education, discourage wasteful spending, and make schooling more affordable for families.