Delta State Issues New School Graduation Guidelines, Bans Aso Ebi, Compulsory Levies, Alcohol, Others

The Delta State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has fired a strong warning shot at schools across the state, issuing sweeping new guidelines that effectively ban compulsory levies, aso ebi, disc jockeys, after-parties, and alcohol at graduation ceremonies and end-of-session celebrations, with violators risking cancellation of their events and even suspension from certificate examinations for up to five years.

The circular, dated 2nd July, 2026, and referenced DSME/SCH4/642/5, was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Akambe O.H., for the Honourable Commissioner, and addressed to all Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs) across the state’s 25 Local Government Areas, as well as all Principals and Head Teachers of Public and Non-State Primary and Secondary Schools in Delta State.

The Ministry cited a torrent of complaints from parents and guardians across Delta State over the growing financial demands that schools had attached to graduation ceremonies and end-of-session activities.

According to the circular, what were originally conceived as academic celebrations had, over time, evolved into platforms for imposing “unnecessary, excessive and at times, compulsory financial charges” on families.

The Ministry was unequivocal: the Delta State Government remains firmly committed to ensuring that access to education is not hindered by financial obligations, and that educational objectives are not undermined by commercial or extraneous interests.

Key Highlights of the New School Graduation Guidelines in Delta State

Guideline 1: Approval is Now Mandatory
No school may organise, publicise, or begin preparations for any end-of-session event or demand any levy without obtaining prior approval from the Honourable Commissioner, submitted at least one week before the event. Required documents include a proposed programme of events, a signed Letter of Undertaking, the proposed venue and date, and estimated expenditure where applicable.

Guideline 2: Graduation Ceremonies Restricted to Primary 6 and SS3 Only
Graduation ceremonies and prize-giving events are henceforth restricted to Primary Six (Primary 6) and Senior Secondary Three (SS3) ONLY. The guidelines are explicit: under no circumstance shall graduation ceremonies be organised for Pre-Primary classes, Junior Secondary Three (JS3), or any non-terminal class.

Guideline 3: Approved Activities
All approved school ceremonies must remain modest, educational, and free from social or commercialised display. The approved programme of events is limited to: opening prayer, national and state anthem, welcome address, presentation of school report and achievements, inspirational or career guidance session, brief educational, cultural or artistic presentations, valedictory address, certificate presentation, merit-based awards, PTA/SBMC remarks, vote of thanks, and group photographs.

Guideline 4: Prohibited Activities
This is where the circular draws the firmest lines. The following are now expressly banned in Delta State schools:

• Collection of compulsory levies or contributions for graduation ceremonies
• Compulsory purchase of gowns, uniforms, souvenirs, or ceremonial materials as a condition for participation
• Mandatory colour-code or dress requirements that impose additional financial burdens on parents
• Organisation of graduation parties or after-parties unrelated to educational objectives
• Engagement of Disc Jockeys (DJs), live bands, or excessive entertainment services, including comedies
• Sales, promotion, or consumption of alcoholic beverages
• Any activity creating direct or indirect financial pressure on families
• Sale, promotion or mandatory use of commemorative fabrics — graduation Aso-Ebi or similar ceremonial attire by parents

The circular firmly states that no prohibited activity shall be permitted under any alternative name, form, or arrangement for the purpose of circumventing these guidelines.

Guideline 5: Inclusive Participation
Participation in all school ceremonies must remain voluntary. No learner shall be excluded or denied participation on account of inability to pay any levy. Results, certificates, testimonials, or any official school record shall not be withheld on the basis of non-participation or non-payment. Learners shall attend in approved school uniforms, while parents and guests are free to wear decent attire of their choice, provided it aligns with the values and decorum of the school environment.

Guideline 6: Sponsorship Rules
Corporate organisations, NGOs, Old Students Associations, and individuals wishing to sponsor graduation ceremonies must apply and obtain prior approval through the appropriate Chief Inspector of Education. Such sponsors must provide a written undertaking to assume full financial responsibility for the event. Critically, under no circumstance shall any sponsorship result in direct or indirect financial obligations on parents, guardians, or learners.

Guideline 7: Compliance is on School Heads
Principals and Head Teachers bear primary responsibility for ensuring full adherence to all provisions of these guidelines.

Sanctions for Non-Compliance

Schools that violate these guidelines, whether in whole or in part, face the following consequences:

• Outright cancellation of the ceremony
• Withdrawal or suspension of school operational approval
• Suspension from participation in certificate examinations for up to five (5) years
• Any other corrective or disciplinary measure as determined by the Ministry

The Ministry also reserved the right to impose additional sanctions where circumstances demand.

Monitoring, Reporting and Complaints

Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs) across all 25 LGAs are charged with monitoring and ensuring compliance within their jurisdictions. Parents, guardians, and learners are encouraged to report any violations, including demands for payment, exclusion from events, or non-compliance with dress standards, directly to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. All complaints shall be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Reports and complaints can be made through the following telephone numbers: 08037839681, 08067243060, 08125303257, or channelled through the Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs).

The guidelines take immediate effect and apply to all graduation ceremonies, end-of-session, and related school events conducted by both Public and Non-State Primary and Secondary Schools in Delta State from the date of issuance.