The Federal Government has issued fresh directives limiting graduation ceremonies in schools nationwide to only students completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3).

The policy, announced by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suiwaba Sa’idu, is aimed at cutting down on lavish school celebrations and easing the financial strain on parents.

In a statement released on Friday by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, the government said the measure is part of wider reforms designed to improve the education sector while reducing avoidable costs for families.

Under the new rules, schools are barred from organising graduation events for classes outside Primary 6, JSS3 and SSS3, as the government seeks to eliminate unnecessary financial obligations imposed on parents.

The Federal Government also unveiled a new textbook policy that mandates the use of standardised, high-quality learning materials designed to last between four and six years. The move is intended to lower recurring expenses and enhance learning outcomes in schools across the country.

The policy puts an end to frequent, cosmetic textbook updates that force parents to purchase new books every academic session and expressly prohibits the bundling of disposable workbooks with textbooks.

According to the ministry, the use of durable and standardised textbooks will allow siblings to share materials, significantly reduce education costs, minimise waste and promote environmental sustainability.

As part of the broader reforms, the ministers also confirmed the introduction of a uniform academic calendar to ensure consistency in teaching, learning and school planning nationwide, noting that the measures strengthen quality assurance and improve the selection and use of instructional materials across schools.