The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has placed an immediate ban on “signing-off” celebrations and related activities traditionally organised by students after completing their final examinations.
The university said the decision was necessary following repeated incidents of disorder, violence, vandalism and disruption of academic and administrative activities linked to such celebrations.
The directive was contained in a statement signed by the institution’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Comrade Aloysius Emeka Attah, and made available to journalists.
According to the university management, the activities have increasingly created security concerns, particularly with the presence of unauthorised individuals on campus during the celebrations.
Management warned that the presence of outsiders during such events could expose students, staff and university facilities to avoidable security threats.
The university stated that, as part of its responsibility to maintain law and order and protect lives and property, it considers the prohibited activities a violation of its regulations.
It further warned that anyone who is not a recognised student or staff member of the institution and is found on university premises in connection with the banned activities could be arrested and prosecuted for offences including trespass, breach of peace and disorderly conduct.
Students were also warned that those who organise, participate in or assist in any form of “signing-off” celebration would face serious disciplinary action.
The sanctions, according to the management, could include rustication or withdrawal from the university, depending on the circumstances and in line with the provisions of the Students’ Handbook.
In a separate internal memorandum to the university community, the Registrar, Dr. Chinenye Gloria Okeke, urged students to remain focused on completing their academic programmes and refrain from activities capable of threatening peace and order on campus.
She also encouraged staff, students and members of the public to promptly report planned or ongoing misconduct to the Chief Safety Officer, the Dean of Student Affairs or the nearest appropriate university authority.
The Registrar reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to providing a safe and conducive environment for teaching, learning and research.
She stressed that the university, under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bond Ugochukwu Stanley Anyaehie, would not permit activities capable of undermining campus safety, discipline and academic standards.
The management consequently appealed to students to respect the new directive and conduct themselves responsibly as they conclude their academic programmes.
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The university said maintaining a peaceful campus environment remains essential to protecting students, staff and property while ensuring that academic activities proceed without disruption.
