Olusegun Adeyemo
The Oyo State Government has officially banned “sign out” celebrations by final-year students in both public and private secondary schools across the state.
This directive, announced by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola, during the 2025/2026 pre-resumption meeting with public secondary school principals at Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan, follows increasing reports of misconduct, violence, and public disturbances associated with such events.
“Sign out” celebrations — where graduating students mark their last day with processions, writing on uniforms, loud gatherings, and street displays — have become common in many Nigerian states. While often seen as a rite of passage, the practice has also been linked to unruly behaviour, vandalism, accidents, and public disturbances.
The state government explained that the ban was necessary to safeguard student welfare, maintain discipline, and ensure schools remain conducive to learning.
Olayiwola, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, reiterated the enforcement of the existing ban on mobile phone usage in schools. He stressed that mobile phones distract students, facilitate access to non-educational content, and contribute to cyberbullying and misconduct.
He further directed principals to recommend only government-approved textbooks, chosen for quality, reusability, and curriculum alignment, warning that compliance would be closely monitored.
“The State Government is using this period to officially ban ‘sign out’ celebrations by final-year students in both public and private secondary schools across the state,” Olayiwola said. “Schools must remain free of violence, bullying, and intimidation to protect adolescents during their formative years.”
The commissioner commended principals for their dedication but cautioned them against imposing unauthorised levies or illegal fees, stressing that no student should face financial barriers in pursuit of education. He also highlighted the importance of staff punctuality, teaching commitment, and the protection of student safety and security.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, Olubukola Oladipupo, urged principals and teachers to seek clarification before submitting petitions, assuring them of her openness to constructive dialogue for the improvement of education in the state.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Bamidele Oyinloye, reiterated the importance of diligence and adherence to rules in school management.
Representatives of key education bodies, including the state President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, Akinoye Christopher, and the state Nigerian Union of Teachers President, Raji Oladimeji, praised Governor Seyi Makinde for prioritising the welfare of teachers. They also pledged their support to ensure the new academic year is successful and impactful for students.