Nigeria, June 18 -- The Ogun State Government has directed all public and private schools across the state to stop organising graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties, citing concerns over the financial burden such activities impose on parents and guardians.

The directive, contained in a circular issued by the state Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and signed by the Director of Education (Private Schools), A.A. Bisiriyu, affects all classes.

In the circular dated 17 June and addressed to 'All Administrators of both Public and Non-State (Private) Schools', the state government ordered immediate compliance and warned that schools that violate the directive would face sanctions.

According to the ministry, the decision...