The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned the rising trend of what it described as the immoral “sign out” culture among students of tertiary institutions and secondary schools across the country.
This was disclosed by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, who noted with concern that the tradition, which was originally meant to be a harmless celebration marking the end of examinations, has in recent times degenerated into an avenue for students to indulge in indecent dressing, open display of nudity, and other unruly behaviors that run contrary to Nigeria’s moral and cultural values.
According to him, the so-called “sign out” celebration has become increasingly worrisome, as videos and pictures circulating on social media platforms reveal students parading the streets half-naked, engaging in obscene acts, and turning public spaces into scenes of immorality under the guise of signing shirts or celebrating the end of their school sessions.
Issa-Onilu emphasized that the agency will not fold its arms and watch this moral decay thrive unchecked. He therefore called on parents, teachers, school administrators, religious leaders, and all critical stakeholders in the education sector to work hand-in-hand with the government to put an end to the disturbing practice.
“Education is not only about acquiring knowledge; it is also about instilling discipline, moral values, and cultural pride. The so-called ‘sign out’ tradition that promotes indecency is not a reflection of who we are as a people. We must join forces to stop this unhealthy trend before it destroys the moral fabric of our youth,” the NOA DG said.
The Federal Government also hinted at plans to engage schools directly through sensitization programs and collaborations with parent-teacher associations to curb the excesses associated with end-of-session celebrations. It stressed that while it has no issue with students marking milestones in their academic journey, such celebrations must be carried out in a decent, responsible, and morally acceptable manner.
The government’s position has stirred public debate, with some Nigerians agreeing that the practice has become indecent, while others argue that it is simply youthful exuberance and a harmless rite of passage.
Nonetheless, the NOA reiterated its stand that preserving Nigeria’s cultural and moral identity remains paramount and warned that it will intensify monitoring, campaigns, and engagements nationwide to restore discipline in schools.
0 Comments