Stakeholders differ on ban, levies over graduation ceremonies in the North-east

Stakeholders differ on ban, levies over graduation ceremonies in the North-east

Some education stakeholders in the North-east differed on the ban on graduation ceremonies in primary school and the levies imposed on parents for such ceremonies.

The stakeholders made their views known in a survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) following the recent decision of the Imo government to stop such ceremonies in schools.

‎Gov. Hope Uzodinma had earlier announced the ban, alleging that the practice imposed unnecessary financial pressure on parents.

The move had since received the backing of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in which its Director General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, described it as a source of waste and distortion of values among pupils.

Some parents in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe said graduation ceremonies serve as motivation for children and a source of pride for families, while others described them as unnecessary and exploitative.

The stakeholders in Adamawa insisted that government must regulate levies imposed on parents during such ceremonies instead of banning the ceremonies outright.

Mr Godwin Amos, a parent in Jimeta, said the government should not contemplate banning graduation ceremonies in the state.

“Acknowledging milestones in education is important. During graduation, pupils receive awards for best performances in subjects, best in class, and overall best in various subjects.

“These are memories they carry into adulthood and also motivate those still in school to work harder.

“It is also a one-time cost that is worth sacrificing for. In my children’s school, we pay N5,000, and both parents and schools contribute to the success of the event; that is fair enough,” he said.

Amos, however, advised the government to regulate levies by setting up an advisory body under the Ministry of Education.

“In addressing the exorbitant levies of the ceremonies on parents, the government should put up an advisory body under the state Ministry of Education.

“They can propose and approve a reasonable amount to be charged by schools in both private and public schools.

“The amount must be seen to reflect the economic reality and generally acceptable by parents,” he added.

Mrs Sarah Wamba, another parent in Yola South, condemned the act while describing it as exploitative levies by some private schools.

“Some schools charge N5,000 for graduating pupils and N3,000 for non-graduating pupils.

“This is extortion, especially with the current economic hardship. Government should intervene and stop this exploitation,” she said.

On his part, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, a parent in Numan, said the ceremonies were unnecessary.

“Schools are already collecting fees, graduation is just another way to enrich themselves.

“Instead of parties, schools can organise vocational training at the end of primary school to equip pupils with early skills.

“Schools can organise skill acquisition like tailoring, shoe making, baking among others, these can equip and empower them early in life.

“If schools want to celebrate, let them do it from their profits and not impose charges on parents,” he said.

Dr Grace Danjuma, a lecturer in Educational Psychology at Modibbo Adama University, said banning the ceremonies outright could have negative effects on pupils’ development.

“Graduation ceremonies create a positive psychological impact by marking the transition from one level to another.

“A child moving from nursery to primary, or from primary to secondary, deserves recognition.

“We acknowledge the financial burden; what the government should do is ensure moderation, not elimination,” she said.

Similarly, Mr Joel Audu an Education Consultant, said some schools had commercialised the practice.

“Pupils are made to wear expensive gowns or costumes, parents are asked to buy souvenirs, gifts, and schools even hire event centres.

“This is unnecessary, low-cost, school-based celebrations are sufficient,” he said.

‎Aisha Adamu Abdullahi, an Executive Director of Umminrashida Care Foundation in Maiduguri, argued that graduation ceremonies should not be banned but reformed.

‎“Yes, primary school graduation ceremonies should be continued.

“They unify pupils, parents, and communities socially, while also orienting the immediate community on the importance of education.

‎”Instead of banning, alternative means of funding should be looked into, especially for logistics like rehearsals, costumes, and gifts. Banning is not an option,” she said.

‎Alhaji Idris Akanmu of Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development, an NGO in Borno, said that for him, graduation was strange to African traditions and brings no value to children, parents, or society.

‎”Primary school graduation should be modified without any ceremony attached to it.

“Respective school authorities should wish their pupils well, prepare their minds for secondary education, and pray for them so their parents will have the wherewithal to sponsor them above secondary level,” he said.

Read Also; Tambuwal Accuses Tinubu, APC Of Destabilising Opposition Ahead…

‎He said that the practice instilled pride in pupils whose parents could afford it, while creating feelings of exclusion among those whose families couldn’t even afford schooling.

‎”Whatever the financial cost, the practice should not be encouraged. Brilliant pupils should be identified and celebrated even before completing primary school.

“This will encourage others to discover their own talents. Schools should focus on policies that discover and nurture individual talents for the good of society,” Akanmu added.

Alhaji Ado Idris, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Yobe, however, said the union was not against any lawful and peaceful graduation ceremonies in primary school.

“It is purely the initiative of the parents and guardians. How then can anyone be accused of imposing any charges on them?” he asked.

Dr Garba Pella, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development in Adamawa, said the ministry had not received formal complaints of exploitation.

“We will investigate and take appropriate decisions if evidence shows that some schools are using graduation ceremonies to exploit parents,” he said.

Dr Bukar Bukar, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in Yobe, also said the ministry had not stopped anyone from organising peaceful graduation ceremonies in primary and secondary schools.

He, however, said that the ministry had recently banned marker day celebrations, among graduating students of public and private schools across the state.

Mr Bako Lawan, Assistant State Secretary, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Borno, said “But many schools, especially private ones, make them unnecessarily costly, creating competition and pressure on parents.”

‎According to him, the union supports government regulations to check the excesses of school administrators who collect huge sums from parents in the name of organising such ceremonies.

‎”Many parents cannot afford school fees, let alone extra levies for ceremonies, which leaves low-income families demoralised.

‎”Government should regulate how the activities are carried out, and even provide cultural attire for pupils just as it provides sports materials.

“School fees and levies for ceremonies should also be reduced,” he added.