Oyo Places Ban On “Sign Out” Celebrations In Schools

*Commissioner insists on prohibition of mobile phones

By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan

Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola on Friday, disclosed that the state government has banned “sign out” celebrations by final-year students in both public and private schools across the state.

Honourable Olayiwola stated this during the 2025/2026 pre-resumption meeting with public secondary schools principals, held at Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan.

The commissioner maintained that the ban on sign out celebration follows increasing reports of misconducts, violence, and public disturbances associated with the celebration.

Hon Olayiwola also reiterated the enforcement of the existing ban on mobile phone usage by students in schools, stressing that such devices pose significant distractions, facilitate access to non-educational content, and can contribute to cyberbullying and misconduct.

He then charged principals across the state for their dedication to shaping young minds and maintaining educational standards in the state, saying, no student should face financial barriers in pursuit of education, and principals must avoid unauthorized levies or illegal fees to ensure education remains accessible.

On the importance of staff punctuality and active engagement in teaching, the Commissioner noted that it is time to maintain student safety and security, as schools must remain free of violence, bullying, and intimidation to protect adolescents during their formative years.

The state government then directed principals to recommend only government-approved textbooks, selected for their quality, reusability, and alignment with the curriculum, stressing that compliance with these directives will be closely monitored by the Ministry of Education.

Speaking, Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Olubukola Oladipupo tasked principals and teachers to seek clarification before writing petitions and emphasized her openness to constructive dialogue for the improvement of education in the State.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Bamidele Oyinloye on her part, reiterated the importance of diligence and adherence to rules and regulations in school management.

In their contributions at the meeting representatives of key education bodies, including the Oyo State President of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Comrade Akinoye Christopher, and the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) State Chairman, Comrade Raji Oladimeji, lauded Gov Seyi Makinde for prioritizing the welfare of workers, particularly teachers, and pledged their support to make the academic year successful and impactful for students.