No more aso-ebi! Osun bans lavish nursery graduation ceremonies

The Osun State Government has officially banned graduation ceremonies for nursery and kindergarten pupils in all public and private schools across the state.

The decision, announced in a circular dated Friday, September 19, 2025, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, M. A. K. Jimoh, cited financial strain on parents and loss of instructional time as key reasons for the policy.

According to the ministry, elaborate ceremonies for nursery and kindergarten pupils have become “increasingly commercialised,” placing unnecessary burdens on families while distracting from the true essence of early childhood education.

Henceforth, graduation parties will only be permitted for Primary 6 pupils completing their primary education and Senior Secondary School 3 students finishing secondary education.

“In view of the above, the Ministry of Education hereby bans all graduation ceremonies for Nursery and Kindergarten pupils, effective immediately,” the circular read.

Beyond graduation activities, the government also introduced a new textbook usage policy. Proprietors of both public and private schools, especially faith-based institutions, must now adhere strictly to an approved list of textbooks.

The directive requires each approved textbook to be used for at least three consecutive years, allowing siblings to benefit and curbing the practice of inserting workbooks inside textbooks.

The ministry warned that schools violating these policies risk facing sanctions, including fines or suspension of registration.