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 school. 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 (NAN) reveals that graduation ceremonies are now prevalent across all levels of education, from preschool and kindergarten through primary, junior secondary to senior secondary school, even as many parents question the justification for the increasing financial burden.
In addition to ceremony fees, parents say the greatest burden often lies in procuring customised outfits that conform to school-prescribed colour codes or contemporary designs, a requirement that particularly affects 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.
