The long-standing tradition of “signing-out” after graduation is facing fresh restrictions across Nigeria, with several state governments and schools banning the practice over concerns about misconduct and wasteful spending.
Sokoto State recently prohibited signing-out for secondary schools, citing cases of vandalism and unruly behaviour. Imo, Ondo and Edo states have also introduced similar bans, particularly at nursery and junior levels, saying the ceremonies place unnecessary financial pressure on parents.
At Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Anambra, management outlawed sign-out celebrations, warning that violators would face sanctions. Two female students were sent out of campus after they appeared in shirts scribbled with markers, in defiance of the order.
The National Orientation Agency has backed the restrictions. During a civic event in Osun, its representative Ayisola Olowoyo said the practice often promotes indecency.
“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,” he warned.
Public opinion remains divided. Some parents see the move as necessary to restore discipline. One remarked online, “Morality cannot be sacrificed on the altar of happiness.” Others argue the bans are misplaced. A critic on X wrote, “They should look at hunger among students first. It’s a more pertinent and persistent issue.”
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