Like Ondo, Edo, Others, Oyo Bans Secondary School ‘Sign-Out’ Celebrations

The Oyo State Government has joined the growing list of states cracking down on extravagant end-of-school activities, announcing a ban on “sign-out” celebrations for secondary school students across the state.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola, made this known on Thursday, September 11, 2025, during a pre-resumption meeting at Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan. He explained that the practice, which once symbolised the completion of final examinations, has now become associated with harassment, violence, indecency, and public disturbance.

“These activities are now officially banned in all public and private schools in Oyo State. The decision follows numerous reports of misconduct linked to such celebrations,” Olayiwola said.

The commissioner also reaffirmed the prohibition of mobile phones in public schools, stressing that the devices distract students from learning and expose them to cyberbullying and inappropriate content.

Oyo now follows Jigawa, Imo, Ondo, Edo, and Kogi States, which have all outlawed the sign-out tradition in recent months, citing concerns ranging from morality and safety to the heavy financial burden placed on parents.

Education stakeholders, including the National Orientation Agency (NOA), have also endorsed the move, arguing that the reforms are aimed at restoring discipline and ensuring that school milestones focus on academic excellence and cultural values.