A Nigerian journalist has called for the regulation of commercialised school graduations especially at the kindergarten level.
Glamtush reports that renowned Nigerian journalist, actor, and filmmaker, Gbolahan Adetayo, has issued a public call to the Federal Ministry of Education and State Ministries of Education across Nigeria, urging them to review and regulate the commercialized culture of graduation ceremonies in schools, particularly in nursery and primary schools.
Adetayo lamented the shift from meaningful school send-offs to exploitative and unnecessary class-to-class graduations, which he believes have become an annual fundraising scheme for many schools.
He noted that graduation ceremonies were once reserved for Primary 6 pupils, SS3 students, and university graduates, a tradition that carried deep meaning and pride for both students and parents.
“In those days, graduations were about legacy, celebration of hard work, and a mark of academic progress. Parents were proud, schools organized modest but memorable ceremonies, and children were truly moving to another academic phase,” he wrote.
“The current trend has turned graduations into a financial burden, with parents expected to throw parties, buy expensive outfits, and contribute to flamboyant events,” Adetayo wrote. “This culture is not just ridiculous, it’s wicked. Parents are forced to pay for graduation parties every year, from crèche to university, driving many into debt and unnecessary stress.”
Adetayo emphasized that the current economic realities in Nigeria do not support such luxuries, especially when millions of families are struggling to survive. He called on the Ministry of Education to make it mandatory that only Primary 6, SS3, and final-year University students should hold graduation ceremonies.
“Allowing every class to ‘graduate’ diminishes the significance of true academic progress and sends the wrong message to children about the value of hard work and milestones,” Adetayo added.
The journalist’s heartfelt message serves as a wake-up call to policymakers, education stakeholders, and school owners to stop commercializing education at the expense of innocent families.
“This is no longer just a school issue, it is a national concern. Our education system should uplift, not drain. I urge you to act now before this cultural cancer spreads beyond repair.”
