Nigerian Governor Bans Phone, ‘Sign Out’ Celebrations in Secondary Schools
- The Oyo state government has placed a ban on “sign out” celebrations among graduating students of secondary schools across the state
- Governor Seyi Makinde's government disclosed that the decision was aimed at addressing the escalating cases of misconduct, violence, and disruption linked to the practice
- The commissioner for education, science and technology, Olusegun Olayiwola, confirmed this and reiterated the enforcement of the existing ban on mobile phone use by students
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has officially banned “sign out” celebrations by final-year students in all public and private schools across the state.
Source: Facebook
Oyo bans sign out ceremony in schools
The directive follows growing reports of misconduct, violence, and public disturbances linked to such events.
The commissioner for education, science and technology, Olusegun Olayiwola, announced the decision during the 2025/2026 pre-resumption meeting with secondary school principals held at Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan.
Source: Facebook
Oyo reaffirms phone ban in schools
As reported by The Punch and The Nation, Olayiwola also reiterated the enforcement of the existing ban on mobile phone use by students, noting that the devices distract from learning, expose students to non-educational content, and contribute to cyberbullying and misconduct.
He commended principals for their commitment to shaping young minds while cautioning against unauthorized levies or illegal fees that could hinder access to education.
He also emphasized punctuality, active teaching engagement, and the importance of maintaining safe, violence-free schools.
The commissioner further directed schools to recommend only government-approved textbooks that meet curriculum standards and are reusable, stressing that compliance will be closely monitored.
Kogi bans graduation ceremonies in secondary schools
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that just like Imo state, the Kogi government has banned graduation ceremonies in basic and secondary schools across the state.
Governor Usman Ododo-led government said the move is aimed at easing the financial burden on parents and guardians.
The state commissioner for education, Wemi Jones, confirmed this in a statement and shared further details on the new education policy.
Imo bans nursery, JSS 3 graduation parties
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Imo state government, led by Governor Hope Uzodimma, banned graduation parties for nursery and Junior Secondary School (JSS 3) students, citing the financial burden such ceremonies place on parents and guardians.
The commissioner for education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, noted that only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School (SSS 3) students in Imo state are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies in line with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system.
Read related articles, more about Oyo state here:
- Oyo govt announces week-long activities for Ladoja’s coronation as Olubadan
- Ebonyi governor bans nursery, primary school graduation, introduces skills certificate policy
- Kano kicks against harassment during SSCE celebration
Adamawa bans marker day celebration
Similarly, Legit.ng reported that the Adamawa State Ministry of Education placed a strict ban son the "Maker Day" celebration by Senior Secondary Certificate Examination candidates.
Legit.ng gathered that the education board is taking actions to maintain the positive change in the sector to provide adequate learning skills and moral conduct, under the leadership of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
