Ogun Government Enforces Six-Year Textbook Policy, Bans Lavish Graduation Parties

The Ogun State Government has introduced a six-year minimum cycle for the use of textbooks in schools as part of efforts to ease financial pressure on parents.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, announced the policy on Thursday while briefing journalists on the state’s readiness for the 2024/2025 academic session.

Arigbabu explained that no school is permitted to change prescribed textbooks until they have been in use for at least six academic years. He stressed that frequent alterations in learning materials had become a source of unnecessary financial strain for parents.

“Quality education does not depend on constant changes of textbooks but on effective teaching and the judicious use of available resources,” he said, warning that schools found imposing unauthorized changes would face sanctions.

In addition, the state government has banned elaborate graduation ceremonies outside the three official transition levels—primary to junior secondary, junior to senior secondary, and senior secondary to tertiary education.

According to the commissioner, the move is designed to discourage the culture of excessive spending on ceremonies for non-transition classes such as kindergarten or nursery, which often places undue financial pressure on families.

“Graduation ceremonies should be modest and reflect genuine academic milestones, rather than turning into lavish social events,” he added.

The ministry assured parents, teachers, and school administrators that the measures form part of wider reforms to make education in the state more affordable and impactful.