Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK), has announced an indefinite ban on the popular signing-out celebrations by final-year students.
The management disclosed the decision on Tuesday in a statement signed by the Registrar, Dr. Chinenye Okeke.
According to the university, the ban takes immediate effect and applies across the institution.
The statement explained that the action followed repeated incidents of chaos and disorder during signing-out activities.
These celebrations, often held after final examinations, had become linked to violence and disruption on campus.
“The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University wishes to inform all students that, with immediate effect, all forms of signing-off related to final examinations are banned on campus,” the Registrar said.
“This step was taken in response to recurring incidents of disorder and disruption associated with such events,” she added.
The university expressed worry over the presence of outsiders who usually joined the celebrations.
Management described their involvement as a security risk to both students and staff.
Moreover, Okeke warned that students caught defying the directive would face strict sanctions.
This could include rustication, depending on the level of violation.
She further noted that individuals who were not part of the school but attempted to take part would not be spared.
Such persons, she said, risk arrest and possible prosecution for disorderly conduct.
The Registrar reassured the university community that management remained committed to providing a safe atmosphere for study.
She emphasized that UNIZIK would not condone activities that could undermine peace and order on campus.
“All students are advised to focus on their academic responsibilities and promptly report any threats to safety or misconduct to the appropriate authorities,” she stated.
The ban has sparked mixed reactions among students, many of whom had seen the signing-out celebration as a rite of passage.
However, school authorities maintain that the safety of the university community must come first.
Therefore, UNIZIK believes the measure is necessary to prevent a repeat of past incidents that had threatened the institution’s stability.
