The Ekiti State government has announced a complete ban on graduation ceremonies across all class levels in both public and private schools within the state.

In a related move, the government also stated that siblings will now be allowed to pass down textbooks to younger family members, replacing the previous practice of parents purchasing new books for each child.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mike Omolayo, outlined the new directives in a circular to stakeholders, noting that they will take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session for pupils in kindergarten, nursery, primary, and secondary schools.

Omolayo explained that the policy aligns with the shared prosperity agenda of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration, aimed at reducing undue financial pressure on parents and curbing social issues often linked to graduation ceremonies.

The circular further stated that the state remains committed to a six-year textbook review cycle for primary schools, while the review period for secondary schools has been extended from three years to four years. Parents and guardians are advised that textbooks may be passed from older siblings to younger ones, provided they remain in good condition.

The State Government emphasised that the primary school book review schedule of once every six years will continue, subject to review by the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).