Delta Threatens Schools With 5-Year Ban Over Graduation Parties, Others

The Delta State government has reissued a firm warning to private schools across the state, reiterating its outright ban on graduation parties and all associated end-of-session celebrations.

The move is consistent with the state government’s long-standing position.

Officials threatened that any institution found flouting the directive will face severe penalties, including a potential five-year closure.

Education stakeholders argue the policy aims to make schooling more affordable, enforce minimum standards, and shift the focus back to academic achievement rather than costly social events.

The warning comes after a message began circulating among school proprietors and administrators, purportedly originating from the office of the Commissioner for Secondary Education.

The notice explicitly stated that “graduation parties or whatever name they are tagged” are prohibited in Delta, and that offending schools risk a five-year ban.

While some initially dismissed the message as fake, a school proprietress in the Sapele local government area (who asked not to be named) confirmed the policy is genuine.

She told our reporter that the local Chief Inspector of Education (CIE) had previously communicated the ban to schools, adding that the latest notice merely reinforces existing rules.

Back in September 2025, the then Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs Rose Ezewu, announced the ban on lavish graduation parties in private schools, describing the trend as an “unnecessary financial burden” on families.

She warned that schools imposing special graduation levies or organising extravagant ceremonies would face sanctions.

Authorities have previously signalled plans to tighten regulations on private schools more broadly, targeting frequent textbook changes, multiple sets of school uniforms, and other hidden charges that push up the cost of education and place undue pressure on parents.

Although the Delta State government has yet to issue a fresh public circular on the latest warning, school administrators across the state have reportedly begun notifying parents and staff of the directive, with end-of-session activities now fast approaching.

Parents are advised to clarify any planned celebrations with school heads well in advance.

Delta is not alone in taking such a hard line. Several other states, including Imo, Ondo, Kogi, Benue and Niger, have introduced similar restrictions on graduation ceremonies, particularly for nursery, kindergarten and junior secondary school pupils.