In a powerful open letter that has begun to gain attention across educational circles, Muhsin Jibo Maigoro, a Mathematics Education graduate from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has called for an immediate end to the growing culture of “Marker Day” celebrations in Nigerian secondary schools.
Writing with deep concern and clarity, Maigoro described Marker Day—often observed by students after final exams like WAEC and NECO—as “an open display of indiscipline, immorality, and disrespect for everything our education and culture stand for.”
What Is Marker Day?
According to the educator, the so-called celebration involves students defacing their school uniforms with markers and paint, parading noisily around school compounds and communities, and in some extreme cases, harassing fellow students—particularly female classmates—who choose not to participate.
“Many of these girls cry, struggle, and try to fight back, but they are outnumbered and embarrassed in public,” Maigoro wrote, noting that the trend promotes lawlessness and erodes the values of modesty, respect, and discipline that Nigerian society and religious teachings uphold.
Why Marker Day Must Be Stopped
The letter offers a strong argument against the practice on several grounds:
- It destroys cultural and religious values, promoting indecency and rebellion under the guise of celebration.
- It harms students, especially those who are bullied or coerced into participating.
- It undermines education, teaching children to glorify chaos rather than achievement.
A Call to Action
Maigoro issued a passionate appeal to all stakeholders:
- Parents are urged to discourage their children from participating or funding Marker Day activities.
- School Administrators must enforce bans and protect students’ dignity and safety.
- Teachers should denounce the practice within classrooms and instill discipline.
- The Ministry of Education is called upon to emulate Yobe State’s example by issuing a nationwide ban.
- Students are reminded to value self-respect and reject bullying or group pressure to conform.
“Let us act now. Let us protect the image of our schools and the future of our children,” Maigoro concluded. “We must not normalize public disorder and call it a celebration.”
Signed:
Muhsin Jibo Maigoro
B.Tech. (Mathematics Education), ATBU Bauchi
Concerned Educator and Advocate for Moral Discipline
Read More:
Are you sure you know what acronyms are? Really? By Chinua Asuzu
