The Federal Government has decried the rising immorality linked to student “sign-out” celebrations, urging parents and schools to instill discipline.
The Federal Government has raised alarm over the growing trend of indecent and immoral practices linked to the popular “sign-out” culture among students of secondary schools and higher institutions in Nigeria.
Originally conceived as a simple tradition where graduating students would sign farewell notes and exchange goodwill messages on each other’s shirts, the practice has, over time, morphed into events marked by public disorder, indecent dressing, and in many cases, outright immoral conduct.
Speaking during an enlightenment campaign on government policies, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the development as worrisome and inconsistent with Nigeria’s cultural and moral values.
He emphasized that what should be a celebration of academic accomplishment has now been abused by many students who use the occasion to engage in shameful acts.
Issa-Onilu, who was represented at the event by the Director of Human Resources at NOA, Mrs. Ayisola Olowoyo, lamented that several young people now exploit the sign-out gatherings to indulge in acts such as public exposure of private parts, inappropriate physical contact, and other forms of indecent behavior.
According to him, this is an affront to national values and a dangerous trend that could gradually erode societal morals if left unchecked.
“The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the increasing display of immorality among students,” he said.
“Celebrating milestones such as graduation is good and commendable. However, it becomes unacceptable when young people turn such moments into occasions for indecency, immorality, and public misconduct within our schools and communities.”
The NOA boss explained that one of the major motivations behind the government’s soon-to-be-launched National Charter on Values and Discipline is to reorient Nigerians and promote the culture of morality, responsibility, and good character across all sectors of society.
He noted that through the charter, the Federal Government hopes to strengthen the moral fabric of the country by instilling discipline in everyday life, beginning with the nation’s youth.
Issa-Onilu further stressed that the responsibility of instilling discipline cannot rest solely on government agencies.
He called on parents, guardians, teachers, and school administrators to take proactive measures in monitoring and guiding the conduct of young people.
According to him, schools should not only be centers of learning but also institutions where character formation and moral values are prioritized.
He appealed to parents to begin value reorientation from the home, urging them to model good behavior for their children.
He equally charged schools to introduce stricter monitoring measures during end-of-session activities, including sign-out events, to ensure that celebrations remain decent and in line with national values.
“Parents and school authorities must be deliberate about correcting and guiding students,” Issa-Onilu reiterated.
“When young people are allowed to indulge in immorality within educational institutions, the implications go beyond the students themselves; it undermines the nation’s values and the kind of future citizens we are raising.”
The NOA Director-General concluded by assuring Nigerians that the Federal Government would intensify efforts in campaigns aimed at value reorientation.
He urged communities, faith-based organizations, and youth groups to also join in sensitizing students and discouraging the growing “sign-out” excesses before the trend becomes deeply entrenched.