The Niger State House of Assembly has sent shockwaves across the education community after passing a motion urging Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to sign an executive order banning the popular Marker’s Day and Sign Out celebrations in all public and private schools across the state.
Omo, this one is already sparking hot debates o!
Why Lawmakers Want the Ban
The motion was moved by Hon. Muhammad Sani Idris, member representing Tafa constituency, who didn’t mince words about his concerns. According to him, the once-innocent tradition — where graduating students sign shirts and celebrate the end of their school journey — has now turned into something entirely different.
Instead of joyful farewells, Hon. Idris claimed the events have become associated with unruly behaviour, rising misconduct, and immoral activities. He warned that these trends directly threaten the state’s educational values, which are meant to focus on both academic and moral development.
“The ongoing trend of signing out from schools, which is presumably intended to be a celebration by final-year students, has recently been characterised by unruly behaviour and misconduct,” he stated.
From Celebration to Chaos?
Omo, remember when Sign-Out Day was just about friends scribbling funny notes on your shirt? Well, according to reports from the Assembly, that vibe has been lost. Lawmakers say the celebrations now often involve activities that parents and school authorities frown upon — a far cry from the original idea.
Lawmakers Unite on the Decision
Interestingly, this wasn’t one of those debates where members were split. The motion received unanimous support from the entire House. Every member agreed that it was a timely intervention, reflecting the growing public concerns voiced by parents, teachers, and community leaders.
Now, all eyes are on Governor Bago to see if he will give the final stamp by issuing the executive order.
