The Institute for Education Studies (IFEST) has called on the Ministry of Education to strictly enforce its directive against extravagant displays during Senior High School (SHS) graduation ceremonies, including the presentation of expensive gifts such as vehicles and money bouquets.
The appeal comes amid growing public debate over increasing lavish celebrations at school graduations, a trend critics say encourages unhealthy competition among students and places financial pressure on parents.
Executive Director of IFEST, Peter Anti, speaking to Citi News on June 21, urged the Ministry to hold school authorities accountable for failing to enforce the rules.
He argued that visible enforcement measures, including sanctions against school heads who allow such practices to occur without intervention, would serve as an effective deterrent. According to him, education managers must ensure that school leaders actively prevent extravagant displays, rather than merely issuing directives.
Dr. Anti also encouraged the Ministry of Education to strengthen public sensitisation efforts by engaging parents through Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings, so they better understand the rationale behind the policy.
The Ministry of Education has recently instructed schools to discourage lavish celebrations and ensure that graduation ceremonies remain modest, focused on academic achievement, discipline, and character development rather than material displays.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
