The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has announced a sweeping ban on the popular but controversial “signing off” celebrations traditionally organized by final-year students after their last examinations.
In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, Registrar of the University, Dr. Chinenye Okeke, declared that the ban takes immediate and indefinite effect, citing the growing menace of violence, disorder, and disruption of academic activities associated with the practice.
According to the Registrar, the university has observed repeated incidents where the celebrations degenerated into unruly behavior, leading to property damage, intimidation of fellow students, and even the infiltration of unauthorized persons onto campus.
“The university management wishes to inform you that, effective immediately, all forms of orchestration (‘signing off’) related to final examinations by final-year students are completely and indefinitely banned from the university premises. This decision responds to recurring incidents of chaos, violence, and disruption associated with these events,” the statement read.
Dr. Okeke emphasized that the presence of outsiders who often exploit the events poses a serious threat to safety and order within the campus. She stressed that the university, in line with its duty to protect lives, safeguard property, and preserve academic integrity, could no longer tolerate such activities.
The statement further warned that:
Any student caught engaging in the banned “signing off” rituals will face severe disciplinary action, including suspension or outright rustication.
Outsiders found entering the campus to partake in or fuel such celebrations risk arrest and prosecution for disorderly conduct and breach of peace.
Reassuring the academic community, Dr. Okeke reiterated UNIZIK’s commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive environment for learning, urging students to channel their energy into academic excellence rather than disruptive celebrations.
> “We encourage all students to focus squarely on their academic responsibilities and to promptly report any instances of misconduct or threats to safety to the appropriate authorities,” she added.
The decision marks a decisive stand by UNIZIK against a tradition that has, over time, shifted from joyful academic closure to chaotic displays of lawlessness. With this clampdown, the university seeks to send a clear message that celebration must never come at the cost of discipline, order, and security.
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