By Akinwale Kasali

 

 

 

In what has become a norm and a ritual in the nation’s educational system among students, sign out, symbolizes an end to various stages in education pursuit, with several farewell inscriptions are written with markers on shirts, has become a major debate.

 

The debate has led to the cancelation of the practice due to the excesses and misconduct among teens and Youths.

 

The extravagant “sign-out” and graduation celebrations across the country brought to fore the need for State Governments and educational institutions citing concerns over morality, safety, and excessive spending.

 

Following this development, mixed feelings have trailed it, leading to national debate, in which opinion differs among stakeholders.

 

It would be recalled that the Sokoto State Government announced a ban on all “signing-out” celebrations for graduating secondary school students in both public and private schools.

 

Reasons for this authorities says is due to the rising cases of misconduct and vandalism associated with such events.

 

Similarly, the Governor Hope Uzodinma led Imo State Government barred graduation parties for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS-3 pupils, a move that received the backing of the National Orientation Agency, NOA.

 

Joining the fray was Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who in August 27, 2025, prohibited graduation ceremonies for Nursery, Primary, and Junior Secondary Schools as part of broader educational reforms aimed at easing financial pressure on parents.

 

At the tertiary level, Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Anambra State, on August 20, 2025, announced an immediate ban on final-year “signing-off” exam celebrations, warning that violators would face disciplinary action.

 

Also, Governor Okpebholo of Edo State joined the trend, announcing that the State authorities had placed a ban on Nursery and Primary school graduation ceremonies, citing concerns over excessive spending and misplaced priorities.

 

Officials and education stakeholders argue that the measures aim to restore decorum in schools and address the growing trend of students spraying shirts, parading in the streets, and, in some cases, damaging school property.

 

The NOA during a civic engagement programme in Osun State on Friday, expressed strong disapproval of indecent practices tied to the tradition, particularly in tertiary institutions. Ayisola Olowoyo, representing the Director General, said, “In some situations, they wear white; they write a lot of things on it.

 

“They write on the laps of their colleagues, they write on the breasts of their colleagues. This is against national values.”

 

Though, some section of Nigerians have welcomed the development, saying that it was apt, as the practice has gone beyond measures, while some believed it was unnecessary, as it was a choice and not been enforced.

 

On X (formerly Twitter), the debate sharper, as some users felt the bans were unnecessary interference in youthful expression.

 

“How this is any of their business is beyond me… kids will be kids no matter what, ” @alaomichael asked.

 

@HollaNaija expressed frustration, “They should look at hunger among students first. It’s a more pertinent and persistent issue.”

 

Yet, others supported the move, with @Franky9584 stating: “Good move… You go even see some students wey get carry over, signing out only to come back next year to rewrite the course.”

 

Some reactions however leaned more emotional, with some accusing authorities of dampening youthful joy. Helmaqueen1 wrote: “Anything to take away the happiness of the youth.”

 

“They shouldn’t do that to universities, but I support that of secondary, primary and nursery schools!!” kween___mimi said.

 

Meanwhile, atiinuke blasted the bans, “Very bitter people… always hating on things that make students happy. Did they steal? Did they kill anybody or what exactly???”