The Oyo State Government has banned “sign-out” celebrations by graduating students in both public and private schools, citing rising cases of misconduct, violence, and public disorder linked to the practice.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Olusegun Olayiwola, announced the decision during the 2025/2026 pre-resumption meeting with public secondary school principals at Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan.
He also restated the enforcement of the existing ban on mobile phones in schools, describing them as a major source of distraction, exposure to inappropriate content, and enablers of cyberbullying.
Olayiwola commended principals for their dedication to academic excellence but warned against the collection of unauthorised levies, stressing that no child should be denied access to education over financial constraints. He further directed schools to recommend only government-approved textbooks and emphasised the need for staff punctuality, active teaching participation, and creating safe, violence-free learning environments.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Olubukola Oladipupo, urged principals and teachers to seek clarifications before filing petitions, assuring openness to dialogue aimed at strengthening the education sector.
The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bamidele Oyinloye, also reiterated the need for discipline, diligence, and strict adherence to rules in school administration.
Key education stakeholders, including the Oyo State ANCOPSS President, Comrade Akinoye Christopher, and NUT Chairman, Comrade Raji Oladimeji, lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for prioritising teachers’ welfare and pledged support for a successful academic session.
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