The Ekiti State government has banned the popular “sign-out” celebrations conducted by graduating secondary school students across the state’s 16 local government areas, warning that the practice is inconsistent with the values of discipline and good conduct expected in schools.
The directive, contained in a circular issued by the State Ministry, prohibits students from engaging in post-examination activities such as splashing ink on one another, writing messages on school uniforms and other forms of celebratory conduct associated with the tradition.
The circular, signed on behalf of the Permanent Secretary by Mrs. Adenike Akinyemi, said the government considered the practice disruptive, indecent and detrimental to the image of educational institutions in the state.
According to the ministry, concerns have grown over the increasing excesses associated with the celebrations, with some incidents reportedly escalating into harassment, molestation and other forms of inappropriate behaviour capable of endangering students.
“The attention of the Ministry of Education has been drawn to an unwholesome activity tagged ‘Sign Out’ whereby students after completing their external examinations engage in splashing one another’s school uniforms with ink, writing on uniforms, harassment, molestation and other obscene behaviours,” the circular stated.
The ministry stressed that such actions are unacceptable in Ekiti State and warned that students or schools found promoting or participating in the practice would face appropriate disciplinary measures.
“I am thus directed to state that the act is unacceptable in Ekiti State and would be punished,” the circular added.
To ensure strict compliance with the directive, the government instructed principals of all secondary schools to maintain order within their schools and ensure that students uphold acceptable standards of behaviour before, during and after the completion of their external examinations.
“All school principals must ensure decorum and good comportment in their schools and among their students,” the ministry directed.
The ban forms part of the state government’s broader efforts to strengthen discipline in schools, safeguard students from harmful excesses associated with post-examination celebrations and preserve the integrity of the education system.
By outlawing the “sign-out” practice, the government hopes to encourage students to celebrate the completion of their examinations in a responsible manner that reflects the values of respect, decency and personal discipline.
