…Stops private schools from compelling parents to buy new books every session
As parents, guardians and students are making preparations for resumption for the 2025/2026 academic session, amidst economic hardship, Ondo State Government has placed a ban on elaborate graduation ceremonies for nursery pupils and Junior Secondary School (JSS) students as part of sweeping reforms to sanitise the education sector.
The ban, which was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting with private school owners across the 18 local government areas, aimed at curbing excesses and restoring standards in the system.
Igbekele Ajibefun, the Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, who disclosed this at the meeting, said the decision became necessary to redirect attention from frivolous spending and activities that undermine academic focus.
“Ondo State has to step in to ban elaborate graduation ceremonies, especially for nursery and JSS classes,” Ajibefun said, stressing that such ceremonies are unnecessary for non-exit classes.
The Commissioner also announced other key measures, including the re-accreditation of all private schools, the prohibition of unregistered schools, the enforcement of the use of approved curriculum, and strict compliance with the official school calendar and public holidays.
He, however, warned against underage admissions, use of unapproved or foreign curricula, and unauthorised excursions, adding that security concerns necessitated the clearance of all trips by the Ministry.
Ajibefun noted that illegal schools would be given a six-month grace period to obtain approval, even as the government reviews conditions for registration to make the process less cumbersome.
On the reuse of textbooks, the Commissioner said schools must stop compelling parents to buy new books every session, emphasising that siblings of a pupil should be allowed to use the same textbooks over time.
He further disclosed that the state is working on digitising all primary and secondary schools to enhance learning and streamline operations.
Ajibefun maintained that the government would not compromise on minimum standards, warning that any school unable to meet basic requirements “should find another business.”
BusinessDay reports that the meeting allowed private school proprietors to commend the government’s reforms, while also appealing for more time to meet accreditation requirements and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks in dealings with the Ministry.
