UNIZIK Cracks Down on Celebrations, Bans Final-Year Students’ ‘Signing Off’ Rites

In a move that has sent ripples through the student community, the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has announced an immediate and indefinite ban on all “signing off” celebrations for final-year students. The decision, communicated through a memo signed by the university’s Registrar, Dr. Chinenye Gloria Okeke, aims to curb what it describes as a series of “recurring incidents of chaos, violence, and disruption” that have become a hallmark of the celebrations.

For years, the “signing off” ceremony has been a cherished tradition among Nigerian university students, a moment to mark the end of their academic journey by having friends and classmates write messages on their white shirts. However, according to the university’s management, the celebrations have frequently degenerated into acts of public disturbance, vandalism, and a major security risk.

The new directive is unambiguous: “all forms of orchestration (‘signing off’) related to final examinations by final-year students are completely and indefinitely banned from the university premises.” The memo goes on to warn that any student caught participating in the banned activities will face “severe disciplinary measures, including rustication.” It also delivers a stern message to outsiders, stating that anyone entering the university to join in the celebrations will be arrested and prosecuted for disorderly conduct and breach of peace.

The university’s firm stance reflects a growing concern among higher education institutions about maintaining order and safety on campus. While many students feel the ban is an overreach that denies them a harmless rite of passage, the administration’s position is clear: its primary responsibility is to provide a safe and secure environment for academic pursuits, and it will not tolerate actions that undermine this commitment.

This ban at UNIZIK is not an isolated incident; it’s part of a wider trend in Nigeria where universities are taking decisive action to manage student conduct. The move may force students to find alternative, and hopefully less chaotic, ways to celebrate their graduation. In the meantime, the university’s message is a simple one: put your focus back on your studies, not on unruly celebrations.