THE NATIONAL Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), has expressed concern on the growing trend of graduation ceremonies in nursery, primary and junior secondary schools, describing it as unnecessary and exploitative.
Mr Adeolu Ogunbanjo, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of NAPTAN, Mr Adeolu Ogunbanjo, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.
Ogunbanjo declared that the ceremonies had become avenues for some schools, especially private schools, to generate revenue while placing avoidable financial burdens on parents.
He said that the practice, which originated in private schools before spreading to public institutions, gives children a false impression of academic accomplishment at early educational stages.
“It is rather unfortunate. These graduation ceremonies are totally condemnable because they are mainly designed to raise money for schools while unnecessarily exploiting parents,” he added.
The chairman questioned the rationale behind organising graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, primary and junior secondary pupils who had not completed any nationally recognised educational qualification.
“What does a kindergarten pupil know about graduation? What certificate is being awarded after nursery or primary, apart from the First School Leaving Certificate at the appropriate stage?” he asked.
The NAPTAN chairman said celebrating progression between school levels as graduation diminished the true significance of academic milestones and encouraged misplaced educational values among young learners.
“Children are given a false sense of educational achievement through elaborate graduation ceremonies, expensive dresses and unnecessary celebrations that should never be encouraged,” he said.
He advised schools to replace elaborate ceremonies with modest activities, including officially organised class photographs and yearbooks, which would preserve memories without imposing excessive costs on parents.
According to him, the way to have such activities is to have a valedictory service including thanksgiving, group photograph, organised by the school or a yearbook for the graduating set, such as ‘Class 2026’, this is memorable enough.
Ogunbanjo however, identified schools for promoting cultural celebrations, saying such events helped preserve Nigeria’s rich traditions, cultural identity and appreciation of the country’s diverse ethnic heritage.
“Celebrating Cultural Day is a commendable initiative because it rekindles our cultural consciousness, promotes our values, strengthens national identity and unity. Such programmes should continue, but they must be conducted moderately,” he said.
He however urged education stakeholders to discourage unnecessary graduation ceremonies and instead promote activities that celebrate learning without creating avoidable financial pressure on families or misleading pupils.
Speaking on ‘Sign-Out’, Mrs Kofo Dada, said graduation deserved celebration, but expressed that ‘Sign Out’ activities must be orderly, supervised and conducted within school guidelines to safeguard discipline, safety and values.
Dada urged parents to provide moral guidance, schools to organise structured farewell activities, and students to celebrate responsibly, preserving their character, school’s reputation and future opportunities.
“Your graduation should reflect dignity, honour, gratitude positive reputation and good image of the school. Let your character speak louder than your celebration, leaving a legacy of discipline, excellence and respect,” She added.
Graduation ceremonies, once reserved for secondary and tertiary institutions, have spread to nursery, primary and junior secondary schools, often involving gowns, parties, photoshoots and levies on parents. (NAN)
