Oyo Govt Bans ‘Sign Out’ Celebrations, Reaffirms Phone Ban in Schools
The Oyo State Government has banned “sign out” celebrations by final-year students in both public and private schools across its 33 Local Government Areas.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, announced the directive during the 2025/2026 pre-resumption meeting with principals of public secondary schools at Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan.
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Olayiwola said the decision followed growing reports of misconduct, violence and public disturbances linked to such events. He also reinforced the existing prohibition of mobile phones in schools, warning that the devices distract students, expose them to harmful content and encourage cyberbullying.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, Olayiwola commended principals for their commitment to education while cautioning against illegal levies that could deny students access to schooling. He also stressed the need for punctuality among staff, active teaching engagement and strict measures to guarantee student safety.
“Schools must remain free of violence, bullying and intimidation to protect adolescents during their formative years,” Olayiwola said.
The Commissioner directed principals to recommend only government-approved textbooks that meet curriculum standards and can be reused, noting that compliance would be monitored closely.
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In her goodwill message, the Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Olubukola Oladipupo, urged principals and teachers to seek clarification before filing petitions, pledging openness to dialogue.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Bamidele Oyinloye, also charged school leaders to uphold diligence and adherence to rules in school management.
Representatives of ANCOPSS and the NUT, Comrades Akinoye Christopher and Raji Oladimeji, respectively, commended Governor Seyi Makinde for prioritising teachers’ welfare and pledged support for a successful academic year.