The Kwara State Government has directed all public and private schools across the state to suspend graduation ceremonies, valedictory services and other end-of-session celebrations.
The directive was conveyed in an official letter issued by the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development and signed by a Director in the ministry, Mrs Bunmi Osanupin, on behalf of the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe.
The letter was addressed to the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof Raheem Adaramaja, and later made available to journalists in Ilorin.
According to the government, the decision was taken in view of prevailing security concerns and the need to preserve order, safety and decorum within schools across the state.
The ministry directed all school proprietors, principals, headteachers and administrators to ensure full compliance with the directive.
“All school proprietors, principals, headteachers and administrators are required to ensure strict compliance with this directive,” the statement read.
The government also warned that sanctions would be imposed on schools found to have violated the directive.
“Any school found to be in violation of this directive shall be liable to appropriate sanctions in accordance with existing regulations.
“By this notice, all concerned are advised to be guided accordingly,” the ministry added.
The announcement comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of the state.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has confirmed the arrest of a suspected member of a logistics network allegedly linked to supplying materials to bandits and other criminal groups.
The suspect was reportedly arrested in Ilorin during an operation conducted by the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday.
Authorities have not indicated how long the restriction on school ceremonies will remain in effect.
