NOA Launches Campaign to Curb Unruly Graduation Sign-Out Practices

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has launched a nationwide campaign to address what it describes as disruptive graduation sign-out behaviors among Nigerian students, while reorienting them toward national values.

The initiative was unveiled on Tuesday by Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of NOA, at the agency’s federal office in Bauchi.

In many secondary schools and colleges, graduation “sign-out” ceremonies have become a tradition. Students typically wear plain white blouses or uniforms, which classmates mark with signatures and farewell messages using permanent markers.

While the practice symbolizes celebration and new beginnings, authorities in several states have raised concerns about the unruly behaviors that sometimes accompany the event.

Issa-Onilu said the agency is determined to restore order and national values to graduation ceremonies.

“There must be a stand against this unruly behavior,” he declared.

The campaign seeks not only to regulate student behavior but also to instill discipline, respect, and patriotism.

According to NOA, the campaign will be implemented across:

• 36 states and the FCT

• 774 local government areas

Activities will include:

• Press conferences

• Town hall meetings

• School visits

• Market rallies

• Roadshows

• Advocacy visits

The program will also focus on:

• National security awareness

• Reorienting youth ideals

• Strengthening respect for Nigerian identity and symbols

• Promoting disaster preparedness

The campaign reflects broader concerns about youth culture and discipline, as well as efforts to reinforce national unity and pride in Nigerian values at a time of social change.