The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has officially launched a nationwide campaign to address the growing trend of unruly graduation “sign-out” practices among Nigerian students. The initiative was flagged off at the Federal Secretariat in Bauchi by the agency’s Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu.
For years, the “sign-out” culture has become a staple of graduation celebrations in both secondary schools and universities. Students typically wear white shirts or uniforms, which are then signed with permanent markers by classmates and friends to mark the end of their academic journey. While the tradition started as a fun way to celebrate, it has, in recent years, been overshadowed by unruly behavior and disorderly conduct.
According to Issa-Onilu, the practice has gone beyond harmless fun, with some students engaging in disruptive acts that do not align with national values. “There must be a stand against this unruly behavior,” he emphasized during the campaign launch.
The campaign is set to cover all 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and 774 local government areas. The awareness drive will include press briefings, town hall meetings, advocacy visits, market rallies, school visits, and roadshows aimed at re-orienting Nigerian youths.
Beyond addressing graduation conduct, the initiative will also focus on disaster readiness, national security awareness, youth value reorientation, and promoting respect for Nigeria’s identity and symbols.
With this campaign, NOA hopes to remind students and young people that while celebrating academic milestones is important, it must be done in a way that reflects discipline, responsibility, and respect for the nation’s values.
