In a circular issued by the Honorable Commissioner of the Ministry, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam, the government expressed strong disapproval of the conduct observed during these carnivals. Reports indicate that final-year students, especially young adolescents, have engaged in inappropriate acts, including writing farewell messages not only on school uniforms but also on private body parts. The ministry described these actions as a serious breach of decency, discipline, and the moral values upheld by the state.
To enforce the ban, the government has outlined several measures. First, all forms of signing-out carnivals, whether held within or outside school premises, are now prohibited in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions—both public and private. School heads have been directed to immediately convene meetings with teachers, final-year students, and parent-teacher associations to communicate the new directive and ensure compliance.
Teachers have been instructed to remain vigilant and prevent any such activities from taking place. Students, on the other hand, have been warned that participation in these banned events will result in severe penalties, including the cancellation of their examinations and indefinite withholding of results. Repeat offenders may be required to retake their final year. Teachers found complicit in organizing or funding such events will face disciplinary actions ranging from queries to suspension or demotion.
Parents and guardians have also been called upon to take responsibility for their children’s actions. The ministry urged them to monitor their wards closely, particularly during the graduation period, to prevent any involvement in immoral activities. Communities have been encouraged to report any planned carnivals to school authorities or security agencies.
Security agencies, including the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have been directed to intensify surveillance around schools to ensure compliance. School administrators are expected to cooperate fully with security personnel in enforcing the ban.
Additionally, religious leaders across the state have been asked to play an active role in addressing the issue. Imams, pastors, and Islamic scholars have been urged to dedicate sermons and teachings to condemning such behavior and educating parents on the dangers of allowing adolescents to engage in indecent acts under the guise of celebration.
The ministry emphasized that the directive takes immediate effect and warned that unscheduled monitoring visits will be conducted. Any institution found violating the ban will face strict sanctions.
This move by the Zamfara State government reflects its commitment to upholding moral standards and discipline within the educational system. Authorities hope that the ban will curb the spread of indecent practices and reinforce the importance of proper conduct among students. Parents, educators, and community leaders are expected to work together to ensure the success of this initiative.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions among residents. While some support the government’s stance, others argue that alternative measures, such as regulated celebrations, could have been considered. Nevertheless, the ministry remains firm in its position, stressing that the ban is necessary to protect the moral integrity of students and the broader society.
As the new policy takes effect, schools across Zamfara State are expected to adjust their end-of-year activities accordingly. The government has reiterated that there will be no leniency for violators, and all stakeholders must adhere strictly to the guidelines.
The ministry’s circular serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility in shaping the behavior of young people. By taking a strong stance against indecency, the Zamfara State government aims to foster a more disciplined and morally upright generation. The success of this initiative will depend on the cooperation of all parties involved—students, parents, teachers, and the wider community.
In the coming weeks, monitoring teams will be deployed to assess compliance, and further updates may be issued based on developments. For now, the message is clear: signing-out carnivals and associated immoral practices will no longer be tolerated in Zamfara State’s educational institutions.
