By Amaechi Agbo

As part of efforts to curb rising incidents of student misconduct, the Sokoto  and Jigawa State Governments have banned all forms of “sign-out” celebrations by graduating secondary school students in the areas.

The bans applies to both public and private schools.

Announcing the ban in Sokotot, the State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Professor Ahmad Ladan Ala said the decision follows growing concerns over unruly behavior, vandalism, and public disturbances often associated with these celebrations marking the end of the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE).

According to Prof. Ala, the sign-out trend has deviated from its original celebratory purpose and now undermines the values of discipline, academic focus, and responsible conduct that the state’s education system strives to uphold.

“All principals have been directed to take immediate steps to prevent students from organizing or participating in any form of sign-out celebrations, whether within or outside school premises,” the commissioner stated.

The Ministry also called on parents and guardians to support the directive by discouraging their children from engaging in these acts, which have increasingly become a source of concern for school authorities and the wider public.

Similarly, the Jigawa State Government also placed a ban on “sign-out” parties by graduating senior secondary school students across the state.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Isa Yusuf Chamo, who said the decision aims to uphold discipline, academic excellence, and responsible conduct among students.

He said schools are encouraged to adopt alternative celebrations that align with educational values and societal norms.

“This decision follows careful observation of the increasing risks and negative consequences linked to such gatherings. Recent incidents have shown that these events often result in public disturbances, jeopardise student safety, and sometimes involve inappropriate or unlawful behaviour-contrary to the Islamic values we strive to instil in our youth,” Prof. Chamo said.