The Sokoto State Government has announced a statewide ban on all forms of “signing-out” celebrations by graduating secondary school students, citing safety concerns and the need to maintain public order. The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof Ahmad Ladan Ala, during a press briefing in Sokoto. He explained that the decision followed reports of unruly behavior linked to such celebrations, including vandalism, public disturbances, and potential risks to both students and the wider community.“The government is committed to maintaining a conducive environment for education and public safety. These signing-out activities have often led to chaos, and we cannot allow that to continue,” he said.
The ban covers activities such as street processions, unauthorized gatherings, and the defacement of school uniforms, which are common practices during these events. Schools and parents have been tasked with ensuring full compliance, with the government warning of strict penalties for violators, including possible sanctions on non-compliant schools.
The move is part of a broader educational reform agenda under Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration. The reforms include the enrollment of over 800,000 children into basic education schools and significant investments in infrastructure across the state. Students have been encouraged to celebrate their achievements in more responsible ways and focus on the next stages of their academic journey. Reactions from education stakeholders have been mixed. While some school principals support the measure as a means to maintain order, others believe it curtails students’ ability to mark a significant milestone. The government emphasized that enforcement of the directive has already begun and urged the public to cooperate fully.
Source: https://www.nigerianeye.com/
