NOA warns against deadly ‘sign-out’ culture, launches nationwide civic drive
....Calls for urgent collaboration to curb rising deaths
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has sounded the alarm over the rising trend of extreme “sign-out” celebrations among Nigerian school leavers, warning that the practice has become dangerous following reports of deaths and severe injuries linked to the tradition.
At a press conference in Ibadan, the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lare Issa-Onilu, appealed to education stakeholders, parents, and communities to work collectively to curb the menace.
“The idea of turning the school environment into a breeding ground for thugs and other criminal elements would no longer be tolerated,” Issa-Onilu declared.
Represented by the Deputy Director of Establishment and Training, Mr Tope Adewumi, the DG hinted that the federal government was considering reintroducing paramilitary organisations in schools as part of efforts to prevent further violence and restore order.
Issa-Onilu revealed that the agency had begun a two-week nationwide civic engagement campaign covering all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and all 774 local government areas.
“Today marks the beginning of a two-week nationwide civic engagement drive across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory and across all 774 Local Government Areas of our country. This is not just another campaign; it is a coordinated national awakening that touches the very heart of our identity, safety, values, and development,” he said.
He expressed concern that Nigeria’s unity and growth were under threat from “gaps in awareness, harmful practices, and misinformation,” stressing that national renewal hinged on patriotism, vigilance, and civic responsibility.
“Let us use these two weeks to ignite a new spirit of patriotism, vigilance, unity, and responsibility that will carry us into a safer, stronger, and more united Nigeria. Together, we can make the values we preach the values we live,” Issa-Onilu added.
According to him, NOA’s campaign is built around five thematic areas aimed at strengthening community safety, national identity, youth mentorship, disaster preparedness, and civic participation.
“Our democracy thrives only when citizens are informed and actively engaged. Our communities are safer when citizens are alert and cooperative. Our youth flourish when guided by the right values. Our heritage endures when we uphold our symbols and identity. Our lives and livelihoods are preserved when we prepare ahead of natural disasters,” he said.
Issa-Onilu called on the media, traditional rulers, faith leaders, civil society, and student bodies to join the mobilisation effort, insisting that safeguarding the nation’s future is a collective duty.