Ekiti govt bans ‘sign out’ celebrations across secondary schools

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ekiti State Government has prohibited the popular “sign out” celebrations in all public and private secondary schools, warning that any school or student found flouting the directive will face sanctions.

The directive was conveyed in a circular dated June 29, 2026, issued by the state Ministry of Education and signed by the Director of Schools (Public/Private), Mrs. Adenike Akinyemi, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bayode Ogunmola.

The ministry explained that the decision was prompted by increasing concerns over the behaviour of students after completing their external examinations, noting that the celebrations had become associated with misconduct.

It stated that many graduating students engage in acts such as pouring ink on school uniforms, writing on one another’s clothes, harassment, molestation and other forms of unruly behaviour under the guise of celebrating the end of examinations.

According to the circular, such actions are unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated in any secondary school across the state, whether public or private.

The government directed school principals to enforce the ban by maintaining discipline and ensuring students conduct themselves responsibly before, during and after the examination period.

It also instructed proprietors and school administrators to give the directive adequate publicity and ensure strict compliance in their respective schools.

The ban takes immediate effect as secondary schools across Ekiti conclude their external examination sessions, with the government insisting that orderly conduct must be upheld throughout the period.