Sierra Leone’s Parliament has voted to ban sign-out celebrations in schools and colleges, marking a controversial end to a long-held tradition for graduating students.
On 5th November 2026, lawmakers unanimously supported a motion by Hon. Bashiru Silikie to prohibit all sign-out activities, which are typically organised by students to commemorate their academic achievements. Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara explained to fellow parliamentarians that these celebrations are organised individually by students rather than the institutions themselves. Following the vote, the Speaker, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, instructed the Clerk of Parliament to notify the relevant education ministries.
For many students, including 25-year-old Davlyn V. from Milton Margai Technical College, sign-out events are a significant milestone that reflects years of dedication and hard work. “It represents an important academic journey, the sacrifices made, sleepless nights, the challenges overcome,” Davlyn stated, highlighting the event’s sentimental value.
However, some students acknowledge that sign-out celebrations may have become excessive. Deborah K., a 24-year-old student from Fourah Bay College, noted that some events feature extravagant gifts, adding that the celebrations can often feel overwhelming. Festus C., also from Fourah Bay College, voiced similar concerns and suggested that rather than banning the events altogether, educational institutions should create guidelines to manage them.
Despite the negative aspects, students like Festus believe there are better ways to address the issues, such as designating specific days or venues for celebrations. This approach could prevent disruptions to academic activities, he argued.
Reactions to Parliament’s decision on social media have been mixed. While some welcomed the ban, citing financial pressures on families, others questioned whether a complete prohibition was necessary. A commenter highlighted that students deserve a moment of recognition for their hard work and proposed finding alternatives to outright bans.
Following the ban, questions remain about its implementation and whether student input will be considered in future arrangements. As students prepare for their next steps, many wonder if this cherished tradition will adapt or vanish entirely.
