In Nigeria, the concept of graduation has taken on a life of its own from university students marking their “sign out” with ink-splattered white shirts and hotel parties, to nursery pupils celebrating their move to Primary 1 with full-blown ceremonies. But not everyone is clapping.
Comrade Joel J. Anji, National Chairman of the North Central Reform Youth Assembly (NCRYA), has voiced concern over what he calls a “sweet but sad” trend.
“No go spend plenty money for graduation, still never graduate finish,” he warns in a Facebook post.
While some institutions have banned the “sign out” tradition, students have taken the festivities off-campus – into streets, lounges, and hotels.
“They spend money on jeans and white shirts, all scattered with markers,” Anji notes.
“To some of us, this looks strange.”
The culture isn’t limited to higher education. In private nursery schools, parents are now expected to pay for graduation ceremonies for children in Nursery 3.
“It is laughable – yet truly sad,” Anji says.
“Parents are asked to pay just to celebrate a so-called graduation into Primary 1.”
In a country facing economic hardship, these celebrations are placing undue pressure on families.
“This graduation culture has put many parents under pressure,” Anji explains.
“A lot of families are struggling to survive, but they still cannot avoid joining others to celebrate their children.”
While acknowledging the importance of marking milestones, Anji urges moderation.
“It would be wrong to discourage celebration,” he says, “but it is equally unwise to make it a burden on parents.”
