The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has announced a total ban on all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students, warning that any breach of the directive will attract severe disciplinary sanctions.
According to a circular issued on Tuesday by the university’s registrar, Ademola Bobola, the decision was reached after a Senate meeting held on Monday, where the management unanimously agreed to prohibit all unauthorised post-examination activities on campus.
“No sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” Bobola stated.
He explained that the ban was implemented to maintain order, discipline, and academic decorum across the university. The prohibition covers all activities associated with sign-out celebrations, including signing on shirts, playing loud music, and gathering in large numbers around faculties, schools, or institutes.
The circular also banned the indiscriminate use of vehicles for parades around the campuses, warning that unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed entry during the last week of second-semester examinations.
“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the statement read.
In addition, photographers have been barred from setting up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of sign-out celebrations. “Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” Bobola added.
Parents and guardians of final-year students were also advised to stay away from campus premises, particularly on the last day of examinations.
The registrar cautioned that students who violate the directive risk facing serious disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or even withdrawal of certificates.
“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” the circular warned.
The university urged all members of the academic community to strictly adhere to the directive.
Meanwhile, UNIBEN’s decision aligns with similar measures adopted by other Nigerian higher institutions such as the University of Port Harcourt, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Federal University Lafia, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, and Kaduna Polytechnic, all of which have imposed restrictions on sign-out celebrations to curb disorderly conduct on campuses.
