The Federal Government has strongly condemned the increasingly immoral and indecent manner in which students across Nigeria now mark their graduation or “sign-out” celebrations, describing the trend as not only inappropriate but a reflection of deeper societal decay that must be urgently addressed.
Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, expressed deep concern over the recent wave of indecent dressing, lewd inscriptions on clothing, and public misconduct often associated with student sign-out activities in both secondary and tertiary institutions.
According to him, what should have been a moment of pride and reflection is now being turned into public displays of vulgarity and moral recklessness.
Mallam Issa-Onilu noted that the agency has observed with alarm how students, particularly final-year students, use the end of academic programmes to engage in acts that undermine the values of modesty, dignity, and national ethics. He stated that such trends have no place in Nigeria’s collective value system and, if left unchecked, could further erode the moral compass of the younger generation.
He called on parents, school administrators, religious leaders, and the wider Nigerian society to collaborate with the National Orientation Agency in reversing the disturbing culture. He added that schools must also rise to the task of enforcing discipline and promoting responsible behaviour among students, especially as they approach the completion of their academic journeys.
While acknowledging the joy and excitement that come with graduation milestones, the NOA boss emphasised that celebrations must remain within the boundaries of decency and respect for societal norms. He reiterated that the future of the country rests on the shoulders of youths whose conduct today will shape the nation’s destiny tomorrow.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to launching sensitisation campaigns in schools nationwide, aimed at promoting responsible celebrations and re-instilling core Nigerian values among young people.
