The Oyo State Government has announced a total ban on “sign out” celebrations by final-year students in both public and private secondary schools across the state.
The decision, according to the government, follows increasing reports of misconduct, violence, and public disturbances linked to such events.
“Sign out” celebrations, often marked by writing on uniforms, processions, loud gatherings, and street displays, have over the years become a common practice among school leavers in Nigeria. While many consider it a rite of passage, the activity has frequently been associated with unruly behaviour, vandalism, accidents, and public nuisance.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola, made the announcement during the 2025/2026 pre-resumption meeting with principals of public secondary schools held at Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan, on Friday.
Olayiwola, in a statement issued through the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, also reiterated the enforcement of an existing ban on mobile phone usage by students in schools.
He stressed that phones remain a source of distraction, exposure to harmful content, and cyberbullying among students.
“Schools must remain free of violence, bullying, and intimidation to protect adolescents during their formative years. The government is therefore using this period to officially ban ‘sign out’ celebrations across secondary schools in the state,” Olayiwola stated.
He further directed principals to recommend only government-approved textbooks in line with curriculum standards, warning that compliance would be closely monitored.
Olayiwola commended principals for their dedication to nurturing young minds while cautioning against unauthorised levies that could hinder access to education. He also underscored the need for punctuality, diligence, and maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, Olubukola Oladipupo, advised principals and teachers to seek clarification before writing petitions, stressing the importance of open communication for the progress of the state’s education sector.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Bamidele Oyinloye, in her welcome remarks, also emphasised adherence to rules in school management.
Meanwhile, education stakeholders, including the state President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, Akinoye Christopher, and the state Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Raji Oladimeji, applauded Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to the welfare of teachers and pledged their support for a smooth academic session.
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