College declares ‘sign-out’ celebrations illegal, gives reasons

The management of Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit, has officially banned all "sign-out" celebrations, warning students that violations will result in denied graduation clearance and criminal charges. This directive was issued in a memo dated June 29 and signed by the college Registrar, Emediong Williams.

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The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has urged the Ministry of Education in collaboration with school authorities to immediately prohibit all forms of unruly and unregulated sign-out celebrations within and outside the school premises.

The college's decision stems from a motion passed by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, which urged educational institutions statewide to halt unregulated and unruly sign-out activities. The memo explicitly states the college is acting in accordance with this assembly resolution.

"In view of the above, management of the college has declared the ‘sign out’ exercise by students in the college as illegal and henceforth prohibited," the memo reads. It further warns that "Any student caught involved in the prohibited exercise directly or indirectly shall not be cleared for graduation and shall be treated as a criminal."

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In view of the above, management of the college has declared the ‘sign out’ exercise by students in the college as illegal and henceforth prohibited.

Registrar Emediong Williams confirmed that this is not the first time the college has banned such celebrations, noting that a previous management had also implemented a similar ban. The state assembly's motion, sponsored by Udobia Udo, member for Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency, highlighted concerns that these celebrations have devolved into acts characterized by indecent dressing, substance abuse, public drunkenness, sexual misconduct, violence, vandalism, and obstruction of public movement.

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Any student caught involved in the prohibited exercise directly or indirectly shall not be cleared for graduation and shall be treated as a criminal.

The assembly also expressed alarm over the circulation of videos and photographs of these activities on social media, which they believe glorify misconduct and negatively influence younger students. Consequently, the assembly urged the Ministry of Education and school authorities to prohibit such celebrations, develop guidelines for orderly graduation activities, sanction offenders, and conduct public awareness campaigns promoting responsible alternatives. A viral video depicting students engaged in concerning behavior reportedly sparked the assembly's resolution.

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The assembly also expressed concern that participants often circulate videos and photographs of such activities on social media, glorifying misconduct and negatively influencing younger students.