For years, “signing out” has marked a milestone for many Nigerian students, a rite of passage where white shirts become canvases of farewell messages and excitement fills the air. But what once symbolised celebration is now drawing increasing scrutiny, with states and institutions moving to curb the practice amid growing concerns over excesses and misconduct.

A wave of restrictions on extravagant “sign-out” and graduation celebrations is sweeping across Nigeria, with state governments and educational institutions citing concerns over morality, safety, and excessive spending. However, the bans have ignited a national debate, with opinions sharply divided across schools, social media, and parent associations.

On July 24, 2025, the Sokoto State Government announced a ban on all “signing-out” celebrations for graduating secondary school students in both public and private schools.

Authorities linked the decision to rising cases of misconduct and vandalism associated with such events.

In Imo State, a directive reported on August 18, 2025, barred graduation parties for kindergarten, nursery, and JSS-3 pupils, a move that received the backing of the National Orientation Agency.

Similarly, the government of Ondo State, on August 27, 2025, prohibited graduation ceremonies for nursery, primary, and junior secondary schools as part of broader educational reforms aimed at easing financial pressure on parents.

At the tertiary level, Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Anambra State, on August 20, 2025, announced an immediate ban on final-year “signing-off” exam celebrations, warning that violators would face disciplinary action.

Tension broke out the following day, August 21, when two female students were removed from the campus premises for wearing shirts scribbled with markers in defiance of the directive.

Edo State has also joined the trend. A report published around August 28, 2025, revealed that the state authorities had placed a ban on nursery and primary school graduation ceremonies, citing concerns over excessive spending and misplaced priorities.

Officials and education stakeholders argue that the measures aim to restore decorum in schools and address the growing trend of students spraying shirts, parading in the streets, and, in some cases, damaging school property.

The NOA during a civic engagement programme in Osun State on Friday, expressed strong disapproval of indecent practices tied to the tradition, particularly in tertiary institutions. Ayisola Olowoyo, representing the Director General, said, “In some situations, they wear white; they write a lot of things on it.

“They write on the laps of their colleagues, they write on the breasts of their colleagues. This is against national values.”

He urged parents to “protect their family’s image and instil discipline,” while unveiling plans for a National Values Charter to curb such practices through grassroots reorientation.

The crackdown has sparked a flurry of mixed reactions, with parents, educators, and students sharing opposing views.

On Facebook, some welcomed the bans as timely interventions to restore discipline. One user said, “If it’s against the ethos of our society as we know it, then it must stop. Morality cannot be sacrificed on the altar of happiness.”

Another advised a selective approach, “It’s a joyous experience for graduands, but it will be good if the practice is allowed within higher institutions and disallowed in secondaries.”

However, not everyone agreed. Several users saw the policy as a distraction from pressing educational challenges. One remarked, “Graduate no see work do for this country. See wetin be FG concern.”

Another, Kingsley Dammo, added, “Signing out is a momentum of dream come true… students suffer a lack of facilities, a lack of scholarship. I think that is their problem, not signing out.”

On X (formerly Twitter), the debate was even sharper. Some users felt the bans were unnecessary interference in youthful expression.

“How this is any of their business is beyond me… kids will be kids no matter what, ” @alaomichael asked.

@HollaNaija expressed frustration, “They should look at hunger among students first. It’s a more pertinent and persistent issue.”

Yet, others supported the move, with @Franky9584 stating: “Good move… You go even see some students wey get carry over, signing out only to come back next year to rewrite the course.”

On Instagram, reactions leaned more emotional, with some accusing authorities of dampening youthful joy. Helmaqueen1 wrote: “Anything to take away the happiness of the youth.”

“They shouldn’t do that to universities, but I support that of secondary, primary and nursery schools!!” kween___mimi said.

Meanwhile, atiinuke blasted the bans, “Very bitter people… always hating on things that make students happy. Did they steal? Did they kill anybody or what exactly???”

The wave of bans raises a bigger question: where does youthful celebration end and excess begin?

As some states move swiftly to clamp down while others quietly observe, the once boisterous ritual of spraying shirts, parading streets, and scribbling bold messages now faces an uncertain future. Is this the beginning of the end for sign-out culture in Nigerian schools? (Saturday PUNCH)