The Kaduna State Government has announced immediate restrictions on graduation ceremonies, including a ban on unruly student “sign-out” activities, while mandating the use of reusable textbooks by 2026.

The directive, announced in a statement on Tuesday by Professor Usman Abubakar Zaria, Director-General of the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (KSSQAA), also tightens control over school fee increases.

KSSQAA raised concerns over some schools organising graduation ceremonies for every class level and requiring parents or guardians to bear the associated costs.

The agency said, “This practice undermines the government’s efforts to reduce the cost of education and improve access for all children.”

As a result, KSSQAA then announced that, going forward, graduation ceremonies would be restricted to only two education milestones: completion of Basic 9 (JSS 3) and Senior Secondary School (SS 3/SSCE).

“In all cases, participation or payment for such events must not be made compulsory. If compulsory payment is proposed, schools must seek clearance from KSSQAA at least four weeks before the event, with evidence of PTA consent – based on meeting(s) with quorum (21/3),” KSSQAA added.

It also addresses what it calls a “growing trend” of indecent, unruly, and unsafe conduct by students during “sign-out” activities at the end of their final examinations, which has become a source of concern. This includes students engaging in public vandalism, graffiti, and dangerous stunts.

“Such practices are hereby banned, and school managements are directed to enforce full compliance with this directive.

“Schools are expected to provide well-supervised alternatives such as farewell assemblies, talent exhibitions, mentorship handover sessions, or other structured activities that allow students to celebrate in a safe, dignified, and meaningful manner.”

In a move to reduce educational costs, KSSQAA announced that, beginning from September 1, 2026, all textbooks used in schools must be reusable to curb unnecessary financial hardship on parents and waste.

“With effect from 1st September, 2026, all publishers are hereby directed to provide separate optional workbooks for individualised exercises, while the main textbooks shall remain reusable. School management is to ensure strict compliance by only procuring and recommending reusable textbooks.”

KSSQAA also introduced stricter controls on school fee adjustments, stating that “no school proprietor may increase fees or upgrade their institution without written approval from KSSQAA.”

The approval process requires a PTA agreement with a quorum, a formal application outlining reasons, enrolment data, current and proposed fees, and attached PTA minutes or attendance records, among other documents.

It added that unauthorised fee hikes will attract sanctions.

According to KSSQAA, the directive aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education.

The new policy Is part of its mandate to uphold educational standards and protect the interests of all stakeholders, including school proprietors, administrators, learners, parents, and the wider community, KSSQAA added. (The Guardian)