The excitement that usually comes with school graduations is increasingly being overshadowed by rising costs, as many Nigerian parents say celebrations have become a measure of financial strength rather than academic accomplishment.
In Lagos, July marks more than the end of the school session. Families are scrambling to cover graduation levies, costly outfits, tailoring fees and lavish parties, even amid the country’s prevailing economic challenges.
A survey by the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday reveals that graduation ceremonies are now common across all levels of education, from preschool and kindergarten through primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools, even as many parents question the justification for the increasing financial burden.
In addition to ceremony fees, parents say the greatest burden often arises from the need to procure customised outfits that conform to school-prescribed colour codes or contemporary designs, particularly for female students.
Mrs Mojisola Fatai, whose son and daughter are both graduating from JSS 3, said she was grateful to witness the milestone, but the financial burden was enormous.
