The Niger State Government has announced its decision to ban the popular “sign-out” and “marker day” activities in all private and public secondary and tertiary institutions across the state. The move comes amid rising concerns over the conduct and safety of students during these. celebrations.
Sign-out and marker day events, traditionally held to mark the end of final exams or graduation, have in recent years evolved into elaborate displays involving defacing uniforms with markers, street parades, loud celebrations, and sometimes unruly behavior. According to state officials, these activities have increasingly disrupted public peace and exposed students to potential harm.
Speaking on the development, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Education stated that while the government recognizes the excitement surrounding graduation, it cannot ignore the growing trend of excesses, especially those that violate societal norms and school regulations.
“The state is committed to maintaining discipline and public safety. What started as a symbolic celebration has now turned into chaos in some places, with reports of vandalism, public nuisance, and even substance abuse during these events,” the spokesperson said.
Parents, school heads, and security agencies have raised concerns about how some of these celebrations spill out onto the streets, affecting traffic, security, and the reputation of educational institutions. There have also been cases of students harassing passersby or engaging in dangerous stunts under the guise of celebration.
The state government has urged school administrators to implement alternative, well-organized send-forth activities that promote academic achievement, discipline, and community values. Schools are encouraged to involve parents and community leaders in organizing such events that will not only celebrate the students but also reflect the ethics of responsible citizenship.
Many education stakeholders have backed the government’s move, calling it timely and necessary to restore order and protect the integrity of the school environment. Some parents, however, believe a total ban may be extreme and have called for a more regulated approach rather than an outright prohibition.
As of now, official circulars are being distributed to all schools, informing them of the new directive. Enforcement is expected to begin immediately, with sanctions for institutions that flout the policy.
The Niger State Government reaffirmed its commitment to building a safe and disciplined educational system and urged students to focus on academic excellence and personal development rather than public displays that could tarnish their image or endanger lives.
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