By Asuquo Edem
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution calling for the immediate prohibition of all forms of sign-out celebrations in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions across the state, citing growing concerns over moral decadence, violence, substance abuse and other anti-social behaviours associated with the practice.
The resolution followed the consideration of a Motion on Notice sponsored by the Member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency, Hon. Udobia Friday Udo, during plenary.
Leading debate on the motion, Hon. Udobia argued that while educational institutions are established to promote learning, discipline, moral values and responsible citizenship, the culture of sign-out celebrations by graduating students has increasingly degenerated into activities that undermine these ideals.
According to him, what was once intended as a celebration of academic accomplishment has, in recent years, become synonymous with indecent dressing, substance abuse, public drunkenness, sexual misconduct, vandalism of school property, obstruction of public movement and other acts capable of tarnishing the image of educational institutions.
The lawmaker further observed that participants often record and circulate videos and photographs of such celebrations on social media platforms, glorifying misconduct and inadvertently encouraging younger students to view such behaviour as normal and desirable.
He expressed concern that some of the activities have resulted in injuries, destruction of public and private property, breaches of public peace and damage to the reputation of schools across the state.
Hon. Udobia maintained that safeguarding the moral development of young people is a collective responsibility involving government, educational authorities, parents, religious organisations and community leaders. He stressed that urgent measures had become necessary to preserve the integrity, discipline and sanctity of the state's educational system.
Following extensive deliberations, the House unanimously adopted the motion and resolved to urge the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Education, in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as the management of educational institutions, to immediately prohibit all forms of unruly and unregulated sign-out celebrations within and outside school premises.
The lawmakers also directed all public and private educational institutions in the state to develop and enforce clear guidelines for graduation and valedictory activities that encourage academic excellence, discipline and responsible conduct among students.
In addition, the House mandated school authorities to impose appropriate sanctions on students found engaging in vandalism, substance abuse, indecent behaviour or any act capable of bringing their institutions into disrepute.
The Assembly further called on the Ministries of Education and Information to embark on sustained public enlightenment campaigns aimed at discouraging harmful sign-out practices while promoting positive and responsible alternatives for celebrating academic achievements.
At the conclusion of proceedings, the Speaker of the Assembly , Elder Udeme Otong who presided over Plenary directed the Clerk of the Assembly, Mrs. Nsikakabasi Orok, to communicate its resolution to the appropriate government agencies, educational authorities and other relevant stakeholders for immediate implementation and strict enforcement across the state.
The House was thereafter adjourned to reconvene on Tuesday 30 June 2026.
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