Lawmakers Move to Prohibit 'Sign-Out' Celebrations in Akwa Ibom Schools

Hon Udobia Friday Udo during Thursday's plenary 

Ifiok Itiaba, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called for the immediate prohibition of all forms of "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.

This followed a motion moved by the Member Representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency, Hon. Udobia Friday Udo, during Thursday's plenary.

Leading the debate on the motion titled "Urgent Need to Prohibit All Forms of So-called 'Sign-Out' Celebrations in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Institutions Across Akwa Ibom State," Udo expressed concern that sign-out activities organized by graduating students have increasingly degenerated into acts inconsistent with educational objectives and societal values.

He noted that many of the celebrations are characterized by indecent dressing, substance abuse, public drunkenness, sexual misconduct, vandalism of school property, and obstruction of public movement.

"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, who perceive such conduct as acceptable or desirable."

While urging 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 lawmaker stressed that some of these 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.

Udo, who 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, urged the House to direct 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 future of our state depends largely on the values we instil in our young people. We must not allow a culture of recklessness and moral decadence to masquerade as celebration," he said.

The lawmakers, in their unanimous resolution, 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.

They also mandated the Ministries of Education and Information to embark on sustained public enlightenment campaigns aimed at discouraging sign-out practices while promoting positive alternatives for celebrating academic achievements.