Delta Bans Aso Ebi, Compulsory Levies At School Graduations

Delta Introduces Sweeping Reforms for School Graduation Ceremonies

THE Delta State Government has introduced comprehensive guidelines regulating graduation ceremonies and end-of-session celebrations in public and private primary and secondary schools, banning compulsory levies, aso ebi, alcohol, after-parties, disc jockeys and other activities considered financially burdensome to parents.

The new policy, issued by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education through a circular dated July 2, 2026, aims to restore educational values to school celebrations while preventing excessive commercialization and unnecessary financial demands on families.

Signed by the Permanent Secretary, Akambe O.H., on behalf of the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, the directive takes immediate effect across all 25 local government areas of the state.

Government Responds to Parents’ Complaints

According to the ministry, the new regulations were prompted by numerous complaints from parents and guardians over rising compulsory charges imposed by schools during graduation ceremonies and end-of-session activities.

The government observed that events originally designed to celebrate academic achievement had gradually evolved into expensive social occasions, placing significant financial pressure on families.

It stressed that education should remain accessible to every child regardless of the financial circumstances of parents or guardians.

Graduation Restricted to Terminal Classes

Under the new policy, graduation ceremonies will only be permitted for pupils in Primary Six and students in Senior Secondary Three (SS3).

The ministry expressly prohibited graduation ceremonies for pre-primary pupils, Junior Secondary School Three (JS3) students and every other non-terminal class.

Schools intending to organise graduation ceremonies must also obtain approval from the Commissioner at least one week before the event by submitting detailed programmes, proposed budgets, venues, dates and letters of undertaking.

List of Approved and Prohibited Activities

The ministry directed that approved ceremonies must remain modest, educational and focused on academic excellence.

Permitted activities include prayers, national and state anthems, welcome addresses, school reports, cultural presentations, career talks, valedictory speeches, award presentations, certificate distribution, PTA remarks and group photographs.

However, the government prohibited:

• Compulsory graduation levies.
• Mandatory purchase of gowns, souvenirs or uniforms.
• Aso ebi and compulsory dress codes for parents.
• Graduation parties and after-parties.
• DJs, live bands, comedy performances and excessive entertainment.
• Sale or consumption of alcoholic drinks.
• Any activity that imposes direct or indirect financial burdens on parents.

The ministry warned schools against disguising prohibited activities under alternative names.

No Student Should Be Excluded

The policy further provides that participation in graduation ceremonies must remain voluntary.

Schools are prohibited from denying students certificates, examination results, testimonials or participation because parents failed to pay graduation-related charges.

Students are expected to attend ceremonies in their approved school uniforms, while parents may wear any decent attire of their choice.

Strict Sanctions for Violators

The ministry placed responsibility for compliance on school principals and head teachers.

Schools found violating the guidelines risk severe sanctions, including cancellation of graduation ceremonies, suspension or withdrawal of operational approval, exclusion from certificate examinations for up to five years and other disciplinary measures deemed necessary by the government.

Chief Inspectors of Education have been directed to monitor compliance, while parents, students and guardians have been encouraged to report violations through designated telephone lines or their respective education inspectors.