The Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its ban on all forms of “signing-out” celebrations by graduating secondary school students, warning that any school found violating the directive will face sanctions, while parents of involved students risk arrest.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Professor Ahmad Ladan Ala, made this announcement on Thursday, reiterating the state’s commitment to discipline, moral standards, and student safety across schools in Sokoto.
According to the Commissioner, the government’s decision to maintain the ban follows increasing reports of unruly behavior, vandalism, and public disturbances often associated with end-of-school-year celebrations.
“We are not against students marking the end of their academic journey, but what we will not tolerate are the negative trends that have now come to define ‘signing-out’ ceremonies. These activities have been hijacked by elements that promote disorder, indecency, and even cult-like behavior,” Prof Ala stated.
He emphasized that any school that allows its students to engage in such practices would be penalized in line with the state’s education regulations, and parents who enable or fail to control their wards would also be held responsible.
“Let it be known: any school that violates this directive will face the full wrath of the law, and any parent whose child is caught engaging in banned activities will be arrested,” he added.
The “signing-out” tradition, often involving the defacing of school uniforms with markers, public parades, parties, and in some cases, use of illicit substances, has grown in popularity in various Nigerian states. However, concerns over student safety, moral decadence, and disruption of public peace have led some states, including Sokoto, to outlaw the practice.
Education stakeholders in Sokoto have expressed mixed reactions. While some parents and school administrators commend the government’s stand, others believe a more regulated and supervised approach could offer a middle ground.
The state government, however, insists its priority remains the safety and discipline of students as well as the protection of educational environments from influences that could derail academic values.
●Credit: Nigeria Insiders
