The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Anambra State, has placed an indefinite ban on the popular ‘signing off’ tradition observed by final-year students after examinations.
The decision, announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Registrar, Dr. Chinenye Okeke, takes immediate effect. According to the statement, the ban follows repeated incidents of chaos, violence, and disruptions of academic activities linked to the practice.
Okeke noted that the celebrations had increasingly attracted unauthorized individuals who infiltrate the campus, posing security risks to students and staff. She said the “signing off” tradition had degenerated into unruly gatherings, sometimes resulting in disorderly conduct, safety threats, and property damage.
The registrar warned that any student caught engaging in the banned activity would face severe disciplinary measures, including possible rustication. She added that outsiders found participating or encouraging the event risk arrest and prosecution for breach of peace.
Okeke reaffirmed the university’s commitment to academic excellence and student safety, urging students to focus on their studies and report any misconduct to the appropriate authorities.
With this move, NAU joins other Nigerian universities in cracking down on the increasingly disruptive ‘sign out’ culture, prioritizing order and security over tradition.
