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In Nigeria, the vibrant and spirited tradition of “sign-out” ceremonies has long been a hallmark of university and polytechnic culture, symbolizing a rite of passage for graduating students. These celebrations, characterized by students donning white shirts adorned with colorful farewell messages, jubilant parades, and boisterous displays of camaraderie, have historically marked the culmination of years of academic toil. For many, the act of signing shirts with markers, splashing ink, or engaging in playful revelry represents a moment of collective joy and a final farewell to campus life. However, this cherished tradition is increasingly under scrutiny, with a growing number of Nigerian institutions imposing bans or severe restrictions on sign-out activities. Citing concerns over discipline, morality, public safety, and institutional reputation, universities and polytechnics across the country are reevaluating the place of these celebrations in academic life. This article explores the evolution of the sign-out tradition, the reasons behind the bans, the specific institutions involved, and the broader implications for Nigerian campus culture.
The Sign-Out Tradition: A Cultural Staple
The sign-out ceremony is deeply ingrained in Nigerian tertiary education culture, particularly in universities and polytechnics. The practice typically occurs after students complete their final examinations, marking the end of their academic journey. Graduates, dressed in white shirts—often their school uniforms or specially purchased attire—invite friends, classmates, and even lecturers to inscribe messages of congratulations, encouragement, or humor using markers, paint, or ink. These shirts become cherished keepsakes, a tangible record of friendships forged and milestones achieved. The celebrations often extend beyond shirt-signing, with students organizing processions, parties, and public displays of exuberance, sometimes spilling onto campus streets or nearby communities.
For many students, the sign-out ceremony is more than just a celebration; it is a symbolic act of closure, a way to commemorate years of hard work, sleepless nights, and shared struggles. The tradition fosters a sense of community, allowing graduates to bond one last time before parting ways to pursue careers or further studies. The colorful, ink-stained shirts and lively parades have become synonymous with the joy of graduation, often documented in photographs and videos shared widely on social media platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok.
However, what was once a unifying and joyous tradition has increasingly been viewed through a critical lens by university and polytechnic administrations. Reports of rowdy behavior, vandalism, accidents, and other safety concerns have prompted a wave of regulatory measures aimed at curbing or outright banning sign-out activities. These measures reflect a broader tension between preserving campus traditions and maintaining order, safety, and institutional prestige.
The Push for Bans: Discipline, Morality, and Safety Concerns
The decision to restrict or prohibit sign-out ceremonies stems from a variety of concerns articulated by institutional authorities. Chief among these is the issue of discipline. University and polytechnic managements argue that sign-out activities often devolve into chaotic, disorderly conduct that undermines the values of academic excellence and professionalism. Students have been reported to engage in excessive partying, public intoxication, and disruptive behaviors such as blocking roads, defacing property, or engaging in altercations. Such actions, administrators contend, tarnish the reputation of their institutions and project an image of graduates as undisciplined and unprofessional.
Morality is another key concern. Some institutions view the raucous nature of sign-out celebrations—particularly the use of water, ink, or other substances to drench participants—as “uncultured” or “undignified.” In conservative academic environments, these activities are seen as incompatible with the decorum expected of graduates who are about to enter the professional world. For instance, the act of pouring liquids on one another or engaging in overly exuberant displays is often criticized as lacking the sobriety befitting such a significant milestone.
Public safety, however, appears to be the most pressing driver of these bans. Several institutions have cited incidents of accidents, injuries, or even fatalities linked to uncontrolled sign-out gatherings. Overcrowded processions, reckless behavior, and the involvement of vehicles such as tricycles or motorcycles have led to tragic outcomes in some cases. These incidents have heightened concerns about the risks posed by large, unregulated gatherings, particularly when they spill beyond campus boundaries into public spaces.
Institutions Leading the Charge
Several Nigerian universities and polytechnics have taken decisive steps to regulate or ban sign-out ceremonies in recent years. Below is a detailed examination of some of the institutions that have implemented such measures, along with the specific reasons and contexts behind their decisions.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
In 2025, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, introduced an indefinite ban on all sign-out ceremonies across its campus. The university’s management justified the decision by pointing to a pattern of disorderly conduct during these events. According to officials, sign-out celebrations had increasingly become synonymous with excessive partying, vandalism, and behaviors deemed unbecoming of graduates. The administration emphasized its commitment to fostering an environment of decorum and respect, arguing that the raucous nature of sign-out activities undermined the institution’s reputation. UNIZIK’s ban reflects a broader effort to ensure that graduating students conclude their academic journey in a manner that aligns with the university’s values of discipline and excellence.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions among students. While some acknowledge the need for order, others view the ban as an overreach that stifles a cherished tradition. For many UNIZIK graduates, the absence of sign-out ceremonies has left a void, robbing them of a moment to celebrate their achievements with peers.
Federal University of Lafia (FULafia)
The Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) in Nasarawa State took a more targeted approach in 2025, restricting sign-out celebrations to designated faculty areas and explicitly prohibiting activities at the campus gate. The decision was prompted by a tragic incident involving a tricycle accident linked to an uncontrolled gathering of students during a sign-out event. The accident, which resulted in injuries, underscored the potential dangers of unregulated celebrations, particularly when they involve large crowds or vehicular movement. FULafia’s management stated that the restrictions were necessary to safeguard the lives of students and prevent similar incidents in the future.
By confining celebrations to specific areas, FULafia sought to balance the desire for students to mark their graduation with the need to maintain order and safety. However, the ban on activities at the campus gate—a popular location for sign-out parades—has been met with resistance from students who see it as a symbolic space for their farewell rituals.
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai
In 2024, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, implemented a comprehensive ban on sign-out ceremonies following repeated complaints about “messy and unsafe” practices. The university highlighted instances where students covered themselves in ink, paint, or other substances, leading to property damage and hazardous conditions on campus. These activities were deemed inconsistent with IBBU’s core values of discipline, respect, and academic integrity.
The administration’s decision was also influenced by concerns about the public perception of its graduates. IBBU emphasized that sign-out celebrations, when marked by rowdy displays, risked portraying students as unprofessional and unprepared for the responsibilities of post-academic life. The ban has been strictly enforced, with warnings of disciplinary action for students found violating the policy.
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS)
Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS) in Sokoto took action in 2023, outlawing unauthorized sign-out activities after reports of unruly behavior during such events. The university’s management argued that these celebrations not only disrupted campus operations but also diminished the dignity expected of graduating students. UDUS pointed to instances of public disturbances, including noise pollution and traffic disruptions caused by student processions, as justification for the ban.
The decision has been particularly contentious at UDUS, where sign-out ceremonies were a deeply entrenched tradition. Students have expressed frustration, arguing that the ban deprives them of a meaningful way to celebrate their academic achievements. Nevertheless, the university remains firm, prioritizing its image and the safety of its community.
Kaduna Polytechnic (KadPoly)
Kaduna Polytechnic (KadPoly) joined the growing list of institutions banning sign-out celebrations in 2024. The polytechnic’s management described the practice as “uncultured” and incompatible with its commitment to professionalism and discipline. Specific concerns included the act of writing on clothes, which officials argued detracted from the seriousness of graduation, and the potential for accidents during large gatherings. KadPoly’s ban extends to all forms of sign-out activities, with strict penalties for non-compliance.
The decision has sparked debate among students, with some defending the tradition as a harmless expression of joy and others acknowledging the need for greater oversight to prevent excesses. KadPoly’s administration, however, remains steadfast in its resolve to eliminate practices it deems detrimental to its institutional values.
The Broader Implications
The wave of bans on sign-out ceremonies reflects a broader shift in how Nigerian tertiary institutions navigate the balance between tradition and modernity. While these celebrations have long been a source of pride and nostalgia for students, the growing emphasis on discipline, safety, and institutional reputation has led to a reevaluation of their place in campus culture. The bans also highlight the evolving expectations of graduates in a rapidly changing society, where professionalism and decorum are increasingly prioritized.
For students, the loss of sign-out ceremonies represents more than just the end of a tradition; it is a reminder of the increasing regulation of campus life. Many feel that these bans stifle their ability to express joy and individuality, particularly at a time when they are transitioning from the structured environment of academia to the uncertainties of the professional world. Social media platforms, particularly X, have become a space for students to voice their discontent, with hashtags like #SaveSignOut and #CampusTraditions trending in response to the bans.
On the other hand, administrators argue that the restrictions are necessary to protect students and uphold institutional standards. The tragic accidents and disruptive behaviors associated with sign-out ceremonies have underscored the need for greater oversight. Some institutions have proposed alternative ways to celebrate graduation, such as organized convocation events, faculty-led ceremonies, or virtual platforms for sharing farewell messages. These alternatives aim to preserve the spirit of celebration while minimizing the risks associated with unregulated gatherings.
The Cultural and Social Significance
The sign-out tradition holds deep cultural and social significance for Nigerian students. It is a moment of collective catharsis, allowing graduates to reflect on their journey, celebrate their resilience, and forge lasting memories with peers. The act of signing shirts, in particular, is a deeply personal ritual, with messages ranging from heartfelt tributes to humorous quips. For many, these shirts are treasured mementos, preserved long after graduation as a reminder of their university days.
The bans, however, raise questions about the future of campus traditions in Nigeria. As institutions prioritize safety and discipline, there is a risk of eroding the unique cultural practices that define the student experience. Some argue that rather than outright bans, universities could implement stricter guidelines or designated spaces for sign-out activities, allowing students to celebrate responsibly while addressing safety concerns.
Conclusion
The sign-out ceremony, once a vibrant and cherished tradition in Nigerian tertiary institutions, is facing an uncertain future. As universities and polytechnics like UNIZIK, FULafia, IBBU, UDUS, and KadPoly impose bans or restrictions, the debate over tradition, discipline, and safety continues to unfold. While administrators emphasize the need for order and professionalism, students mourn the loss of a ritual that has long symbolized their academic journey’s end. The challenge for Nigerian institutions lies in finding a balance that preserves the spirit of celebration while addressing the legitimate concerns that have prompted these bans. As campus culture evolves, the legacy of the sign-out tradition hangs in the balance, leaving students, alumni, and administrators to grapple with its place in the modern academic landscape.
