AKHA MOVES TO BAN ‘SIGN-OUT’ CELEBRATIONS IN SCHOOLS

AKHA MOVES TO BAN ‘SIGN-OUT’ CELEBRATIONS IN SCHOOLS

By Nsikak Akpan

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called for an immediate prohibition of all forms of unregulated “sign-out” celebrations in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions across the state, citing growing concerns over misconduct, violence and other anti-social behaviours associated with the practice.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency, Hon. Udobia Friday Udo, who expressed concern that sign-out activities organized by graduating students have increasingly deviated from their original purpose and now promote indiscipline and moral decadence. He noted that many of the celebrations are characterized by indecent dressing, substance abuse, public drunkenness, vandalism, sexual misconduct and obstruction of public movement.

Leading debate on the motion, Udo warned that the widespread sharing of videos and photographs from such events on social media platforms has continued to glorify unacceptable behaviour and negatively influence younger students. He further stressed that some of the activities have resulted in the destruction of public facilities, injuries, breaches of public peace and damage to the reputation of educational institutions across the state.

Consequently, the House urged the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and school authorities, to immediately prohibit all forms of unruly and unregulated sign-out celebrations within and outside school premises.

The lawmakers also directed public and private educational institutions to develop and enforce guidelines for orderly graduation and valedictory activities that promote academic excellence, discipline and responsible conduct.

The Assembly further called on school authorities to impose appropriate sanctions on students found engaging in vandalism, substance abuse, indecent behaviour and other acts capable of bringing their institutions into disrepute. It also mandated the Ministries of Education and Information to embark on sustained public enlightenment campaigns aimed at discouraging harmful sign-out practices while promoting positive alternatives for celebrating academic achievements.

Hon. Udo maintained that protecting the moral development of young people and preserving the integrity of the educational system requires the collective responsibility of government, parents, religious bodies and community leaders, urging the House to support the motion in the interest of the future of Akwa Ibom State.