Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has placed an indefinite ban on the long-standing “signing off” tradition observed by final-year students after their examinations.
The directive was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the university’s Registrar, Dr Chinenye Okeke, and takes effect immediately.
The notice comes amid rising concerns that the celebrations have, over time, transformed into unruly gatherings that jeopardise safety and disrupt campus life.
Dr Okeke explained the reasons behind the decision.
“The university emphasised that the ‘signing off’ practices have grown into unruly gatherings, sometimes resulting in disorderly conduct, threats to safety and property damage,” she said.
She warned: “Any student found engaging in the act would face severe disciplinary actions, including possible rustication.”
Furthermore, she cautioned outsiders, saying, “Such violators risk arrest and prosecution for breach of peace.”
In her statement, Dr Okeke reaffirmed the university’s priorities: “With this decision, the institution aligns itself with other universities across Nigeria in cracking down on unruly final-year ‘sign out’ celebrations, placing safety and order above tradition.”
Students have been urged to dedicate their attention to academic endeavours and to promptly report any misconduct to the relevant authorities.
The “signing off” ceremony has been a popular rite of passage among final-year students at UNIZIK and other Nigerian universities for decades.
However, as noted by some university managements, it now constitutes a public disturbance.
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