The excitement that once accompanied school graduation ceremonies is increasingly giving way to financial anxiety, as many Nigerian parents say the events have become more about displaying wealth than celebrating academic achievement.
Across Lagos and other parts of the country, July has become a season of heavy spending, with families struggling to meet graduation levies, purchase expensive outfits, pay tailoring fees, and fund elaborate celebrations despite the country’s harsh economic realities.
A survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) found that graduation ceremonies are now organised at virtually every stage of education, from preschool and kindergarten to primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools. Many parents, however, question the necessity of these ceremonies and the growing financial obligations attached to them.
Beyond graduation fees, many parents say the biggest financial burden comes from purchasing customised clothing that complies with school-approved colours and fashionable designs. The pressure is particularly intense for female students, whose outfits are often more elaborate and expensive.
Mrs. Mojisola Fatai, whose son and daughter are both graduating from Junior Secondary School Three (JSS3), said although she was happy to see her children progress academically, the expenses had become overwhelming.
She explained that while boys’ outfits are generally less costly, girls’ clothing often requires significantly higher spending because many teenagers insist on trendy designs influenced by their peers.
According to her, graduation ceremonies have gradually turned into fashion competitions rather than celebrations of academic success.
Fatai also questioned the need for graduation ceremonies at the junior secondary level, noting that students are yet to complete their formal education. She urged schools and parents to discourage unnecessary competition and focus on rewarding academic excellence instead of extravagant appearances.
Another parent, Mrs. Ego Nnaemeka, shared her frustration after spending N40,000 on fabric for her daughter’s graduation dress, only to discover that sewing the preferred corset-style gown would cost an additional N80,000.
She described the tailoring fee as excessive, saying it was double the cost of the fabric itself.
Mrs. Bolanle Oyewole also criticised the financial demands placed on parents. Her daughter, who is graduating from kindergarten to primary school, was asked to pay N20,000 for the ceremony.
She argued that the expense was unnecessary since the child would remain in the same school with the same classmates and continue her education without any significant transition.
Similarly, an estate agent, Mr. Sunday Akpan, said he had decided not to allow his son participate in his school’s JSS3 graduation ceremony because he could not justify the cost.
He noted that his son would simply move into Senior Secondary School One (SS1) within the same institution, making the ceremony unnecessary.
Some parents also expressed concern that graduation celebrations have become so commercialised that even students who are not graduating now feel pressured to participate.
Mrs. Linda Ogbonna recounted how her daughter, who is in JSS2, pleaded with her to pay N30,000 just to attend the school’s graduation ceremony because graduating students would receive gift packs.
She said the incident highlighted how schools were creating unnecessary pressure on families through such events.
Despite the growing criticism, some parents believe graduation ceremonies remain important milestones worth celebrating.
Businesswoman Mrs. Nkem Okoye said she had no reservations about spending money on her daughter’s secondary school graduation.
According to her, raising a child to that stage requires years of commitment and sacrifice, making the occasion deserving of celebration.
The demand for elaborate graduation attire has also provided increased business opportunities for fashion designers and tailors, although many complain that customers often undervalue the skill and effort required to produce quality outfits.
A tailor in Ebute-Meta, popularly known as Iya Baraka, said many customers bring highly complicated designs but complain when informed of the actual cost of producing them.
She explained that creating fashionable graduation dresses requires considerable time, expertise and attention to detail, yet many clients expect to pay unrealistically low prices.
Another tailor, Rasheedat Abdullahi, said she had received numerous orders this graduation season but rejected some because customers were unwilling to pay fair rates.
She noted that many people assume that young tailors or those operating from modest shops should charge significantly less, without considering the labour involved.
Other fashion designers said the difficult economic situation has also affected patronage.
Aliyah Tunde said customer turnout had not been as high as expected but remained optimistic that business would improve before the graduation season ends.
Similarly, Seun Olawale observed that many male students now prefer simple outfits they can continue wearing after graduation instead of spending heavily on expensive suits that may only be worn once.
Education stakeholders who spoke on the trend called for moderation in the organisation of school graduation ceremonies.
They recommended that schools adopt standard graduation gowns rather than compelling parents to purchase specific fabrics or expensive customised clothing.
According to them, such a policy would significantly reduce the financial burden on families, discourage unhealthy competition among students and restore graduation ceremonies to their original purpose of celebrating educational achievement rather than showcasing wealth.
Rising Cost of School Graduation Ceremonies Puts Nigerian Parents Under Financial Pressure
