The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA) has expressed concern over the increasing excesses associated with “sign-out” celebrations in educational institutions, urging an immediate clampdown on all forms of unregulated activities linked to the practice.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency, Hon. Udobia Friday Udo, who observed that sign-out celebrations by graduating students have gradually shifted from symbolic academic milestones to events marked by misconduct and anti-social behaviour.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Udo noted that many sign-out activities now feature indecent dressing, substance abuse, public intoxication, vandalism, sexual misconduct and obstruction of public movement.
He warned that the trend poses a serious threat to discipline, public order and the moral values expected within educational institutions.
The lawmaker further expressed concern that videos and photographs of such celebrations, widely circulated on social media, continue to glorify inappropriate conduct and negatively influence younger students.
According to him, some of the activities have also resulted in injuries, destruction of public property, breaches of public peace and reputational damage to schools across the state.
Following deliberations, the Assembly urged the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as school authorities, to prohibit all forms of unruly and unregulated sign-out celebrations both within and outside school premises.
The lawmakers also called on public and private educational institutions to establish and strictly enforce guidelines for graduation and valedictory ceremonies that promote academic excellence, discipline and responsible conduct among students.
The House equally recommended that school authorities impose appropriate sanctions on students found engaging in vandalism, substance abuse, indecent behaviour and other acts capable of tarnishing the image of their institutions.
The Assembly further urged the Ministries of Education and Information to intensify public enlightenment campaigns aimed at discouraging harmful sign-out practices while encouraging more positive and responsible ways of celebrating academic achievements.
Hon. Udo emphasised that safeguarding the moral development of young people and preserving the integrity of the state’s educational system requires the collective efforts of government, parents, religious organisations and community leaders.
He therefore appealed to his colleagues to support the motion in the overall interest of the future of Akwa Ibom State.
