The Ekiti State Government has prohibited the conduct of “sign-out” activities in secondary schools across 16 local government areas of the state.
The government described the practice as inappropriate, disruptive, and inconsistent with the values of discipline and decency expected of students.
The directive was contained in a circular issued by the State Ministry of Education and signed on behalf of the Permanent Secretary by Mrs Adenike Akinyemi, which was obtained by Nigerian Tribune on Monday.
According to the ministry, the attention of the government had been drawn to what it described as an “unwholesome activity” commonly referred to as “sign-out”, in which students who have completed their external examinations celebrate by splashing one another with ink, scribbling messages on school uniforms, and engaging in acts considered indecent.
The ministry expressed concern that the celebrations had, in some instances, degenerated into harassment, molestation, and other forms of obscene behaviour capable of endangering students and tarnishing the image of schools.
It stressed that such actions are unacceptable in Ekiti State and warned that any student or school found encouraging or participating in the practice would face appropriate sanctions.
“The attention of the Ministry of Education has been drawn to an unwholesome activity tagged ‘Sign Out’ whereby students after completing their external examinations engage in splashing one another’s school uniforms with ink, writing on uniforms, harassment, molestation and other obscene behaviours,” the circular stated.
The ministry added: “I am thus directed to state that the act is unacceptable in Ekiti State and would be punished.”
As part of measures aimed at ensuring compliance, school principals across the state have been directed to maintain decorum within their schools and ensure that students exhibit good conduct at all times.
“All school principals must ensure decorum and good comportment in their schools and among their students,” the ministry further directed.
The latest move is seen as part of ongoing efforts by the Ekiti State Government to promote discipline, protect students from harmful excesses, and preserve the integrity of the educational system in the state.