NOA Launches Nationwide Drive to End Unruly Graduation Sign-Out Culture

|By Chinwendu Nwani

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has rolled out a nationwide campaign to curb disorderly graduation “sign-out” practices and promote renewed commitment to Nigeria’s core values.

The initiative was flagged off on Tuesday at the Federal Secretariat in Bauchi by the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu.

The sign-out ritual, popular among secondary school and university graduates, typically involves writing farewell messages on uniforms or white shirts with permanent markers. While once seen as a harmless celebration, it has increasingly sparked concerns over unruly and disruptive student behavior.

Issa-Onilu condemned the excesses often witnessed during such ceremonies, warning that the trend undermines discipline and respect for societal norms. “There must be a stand against this unruly behavior,” he declared.

The campaign will span all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and 774 local government areas. Activities include press conferences, town hall meetings, school visits, market rallies, roadshows, and advocacy engagements.

Beyond student conduct, the program will emphasize disaster readiness, national security awareness, youth value re-orientation, and respect for Nigeria’s identity and symbols.