The Gombe State Government has introduced sweeping reforms across schools in the state, restricting graduation ceremonies and banning compulsory purchase of learning materials, as part of efforts to strengthen quality and affordable education.
In a policy statement endorsed by the Commissioner for Education, Associate Professor Aishatu Umar Maigari, the ministry ordered that graduation ceremonies will henceforth be reserved only for pupils completing Primary Six, Junior Secondary School Three, and Senior Secondary School Three.
According to the ministry, the move was necessary to restore order and discourage the commercialisation of graduation parties in schools.
“We have observed that graduation ceremonies have been abused and turned into routine events.
“Only terminal classes will now be recognised to ensure the real essence of graduation is preserved,” the statement clarified.
The government also outlawed the practice by some private schools that compels parents to buy uniforms, textbooks, and writing materials directly from the school.
Officials explained that while schools may sell such materials, purchases must remain optional for parents, who should also be free to source them from open markets.
“The rights of parents to choose where to buy learning materials must be respected. Any school imposing mandatory purchases will be sanctioned,” the Commissioner’s office cautioned.
Equally, the ministry announced a total ban on the controversial “sign-out culture,” where students often engage in unruly or unsafe behaviour during end-of-session celebrations.
Authorities described the practice as a “serious safety risk” that undermines discipline within both public and private schools.
Another major directive targeted textbooks with built-in worksheets that prevent re-use by future learners.
From September 15, 2026, schools must discontinue such publications and instead provide optional exercise books for individual practice, while main textbooks are to remain reusable in line with the new NERDC curriculum.
In addition, the ministry suspended the establishment of new private, faith-based, and community schools in the state.
Existing schools yet to complete their registration or obtain final approval have been given until October 31, 2025, to comply.
The government further directed private schools to align fully with approved academic policies, including the new national curriculum, skills development programs, and anti-bullying measures.
Private senior secondary schools without recognised external examination centres such as WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB were advised to approach the ministry for guidance.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment, the Commissioner’s media aide, Saidu Bappa Malala, stressed that the reforms are designed to make education more accessible, affordable, and sustainable.
“Our goal is to ensure that every child in Gombe has access to a disciplined, inclusive, and high-quality education system,” he said.