The Niger State House of Assembly has urged Governor Umaru Bago to issue an executive order banning the celebration of Markers’ Day and sign-out activities in all public and private secondary and tertiary institutions across the state.
The resolution followed a motion moved by the member representing Tafa Constituency, Muhammad Idris, who expressed concern over the negative consequences of such celebrations.
Idris explained that what was initially conceived as a harmless farewell gesture by graduating students has degenerated into unruly behaviour, misconduct, and immoral activities, threatening the moral and intellectual values the state’s education system seeks to uphold.
According to him, the ongoing practice, though presumed to be a joyous occasion for final-year students, has in recent times been characterised by acts that undermine discipline and public decency.
The motion received unanimous support from other lawmakers, who described it as a timely intervention in addressing growing public concerns.
Presiding over the plenary, Deputy Speaker Afiniki Dauda assured that the House would liaise with the governor and the Ministry of Education to ensure the ban is promptly enforced.
In another development, the House passed a Private Member Bill amending the law establishing the Minna Institute of Technology and Innovation. Lawmakers explained that the amendment was aimed at aligning the institution’s principal law with current industry trends, modern educational demands, and institutional realities.
