Niger Lawmakers Demand Statewide Ban on Sign-Out Celebrations Over Violence, Chaos

The Niger State House of Assembly has called on Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to issue an executive order banning sign-out celebrations in secondary and tertiary institutions across the state, citing growing concerns over disorder and rising incidents of violence during the events.

The legislative appeal was triggered by a motion presented by Hon. Mohammed Sani Idris, representing Tafa Constituency. He expressed alarm over how what was once a harmless tradition marking the end of academic journeys has degenerated into a source of chaos and misconduct.

Hon. Idris noted that recent celebrations have been marred by violence, with some students using the opportunity to settle personal disputes, resulting in damage to school property and the disruption of academic processes. He cited a troubling case in Kontagora where two schools were forced to abandon their final examinations after question papers were destroyed inside exam halls.

Several lawmakers echoed his concerns during deliberations. Hon. Muhammad Alhaji Haruna, representing Bida South, described the events as having “metamorphosed into a day of bazaar, gangsterism, and immoral acts.” Similarly, Hon. Murtala Badaru from Suleja Constituency highlighted growing complaints from the public over unruly behavior associated with these gatherings.

Presiding over the session, Deputy Speaker Hon. Afiniki Eunice Dauda pledged to liaise with the governor and the state’s Ministry of Education to ensure the recommendation is acted upon. She referenced earlier efforts within the Kontagora Emirate to curtail the issue and emphasized the urgency of implementing a unified statewide directive.

Lawmakers maintained that the proposed ban is not a clampdown on celebration but a necessary step to restore discipline, prevent escalating violence, and protect the integrity of academic environments.