Oyo Government Bans ‘Sign Out’ Celebrations In Secondary Schools

Oyo State Government has banned the final year celebrations often referred to as ‘sign out’ among final-year students in public and private secondary schools across the state.

The ban followed response to rising reports of misconduct, violence, and public disturbances associated with “Sign out” celebrations by final-year students to commemorate their last day in school.

This trend, marked with processions, writing on uniforms, loud gatherings, and sometimes street displays has become rampant in many Nigerian states over the years.

Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola gave the directive on Friday at the 2025/2026 pre-resumption meeting with public secondary schools principals, held at Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan.

According to a statement by Dotun Oyelade, the commissioner for Information and Orientation, Olayiwola also reiterated the enforcement of the existing ban on mobile phone usage by students in schools.

He maintained that such devices pose significant distractions, facilitate access to non-educational content, and capable of contributing to cyberbullying and misconduct.

“Schools must remain free of violence, bullying, and intimidation to protect adolescents during their formative years.

“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. This directive comes in response to increasing reports of misconduct, violence, and public disturbances associated with such events.

“In addition, principals are directed to recommend only government-approved textbooks, selected for their quality, reusability, and alignment with the curriculum. Compliance with these directives will be closely monitored by the ministry,” he warned.

He commended school principals for their dedication to shaping young minds and maintaining educational standards in the state.

Olayiwola also stressed that no student should face financial barriers in pursuit of education, cautioning principals to also avoid unauthorised levies or illegal fees to ensure that education remains accessible.

He further harped on the importance of staff punctuality and active engagement in teaching, while underscoring the need to maintain student safety and security.

At the event, the Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, Olubukola Oladipupo, also appealed to principals and teachers to seek clarification before writing petitions, and emphasised her openness to constructive dialogue towards improving education in the State.

For her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Bamidele Oyinloye, stressed the importance of diligence and adherence to rules and regulations in school management.