UNIBEN bans sign-out celebrations, warns students against disorderly conduct

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has officially banned all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students, warning that anyone found violating the directive will face severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

The decision, announced in a circular signed by the university’s Registrar, Mr. Ademola Bobola, was released on Tuesday in Benin following a management meeting held on Monday. The meeting reaffirmed an earlier Senate resolution prohibiting such activities on campus.

According to the circular, the university management declared that “no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts or playing loud music, will be tolerated.”

Bobola emphasised that the university would not condone any act of disorderliness, unauthorised gatherings, or parades within or around campus premises during or after final examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the statement read.

“Unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses throughout the final week of the second semester examination.”

The circular also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, and institutes after examinations, while photographers were warned not to mount photo stands or galleries for the purpose of sign-out festivities.

Additionally, the management advised parents and guardians of final-year students to stay away from the university premises, especially on the last day of examinations.

“This measure is aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus,” Bobola noted.

“Any violation will attract disciplinary sanctions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.”

PUNCH Online reports that UNIBEN’s move follows similar bans recently enforced by other institutions, including Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Federal University Lafia, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Kaduna Polytechnic, and the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

The sign-out celebration, a long-standing campus tradition among final-year students, typically involves friends scribbling farewell messages on white shirts and taking photos to mark the end of their academic journey. However, many universities have expressed concerns over what they describe as “unruly behaviour, excessive noise, and security risks” often associated with the activity.

The management reaffirmed that it would ensure a peaceful end-of-session period, urging students to comply fully with the directive to avoid disciplinary consequences.