The Niger State House of Assembly has urged Governor Umaru Bago to enact an executive order prohibiting the celebration of Markers’ Day and sign-out activities in all public and private secondary and tertiary institutions within the state.
This resolution emerged after a motion was tabled by Muhammad Idris, the lawmaker representing Tafa Constituency, who raised alarm over the adverse consequences linked to such events. Idris explained that what initially began as a harmless farewell tradition for graduating students has evolved into a platform for unruly behaviour, rising cases of misconduct, and questionable moral conduct. He cautioned that the trend poses a serious threat to the values and intellectual development the state’s education system aims to instil.
“The ongoing trend of signing out from schools, which is presumably intended to be a celebration by final-year students, has recently been characterised by unruly behaviour and misconduct,” Idris told fellow legislators.
The motion received unanimous backing from lawmakers, who described the move as a timely and necessary step in response to mounting public concern.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Speaker Afiniki Dauda assured members that she would liaise with the governor and the Ministry of Education to ensure prompt enforcement of the proposed ban.
In a separate development, the Assembly passed a Private Member Bill seeking to amend the law establishing the Minna Institute of Technology and Innovation. Lawmakers said the amendment was vital to bring the institution’s founding legislation in line with current industry demands, modern educational standards, and the realities facing the school today.
What you should know
The Niger State House of Assembly is pushing for a ban on Markers’ Day and sign-out celebrations, citing their growing association with misconduct and immoral activities among students.
The resolution, initiated by Muhammad Idris, gained unanimous legislative support, with Deputy Speaker Afiniki Dauda pledging swift action in collaboration with the governor and education ministry.
In addition, lawmakers have amended the law governing the Minna Institute of Technology and Innovation to better align it with present-day educational and industry needs.
