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In a decisive move to maintain order and uphold academic decorum, the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has imposed a comprehensive ban on all forms of sign-out celebrations for graduating students. The directive, issued by the university’s Registrar, Mr. Ademola Bobola, was outlined in a circular released on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from the institution’s main campus in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The announcement has sparked widespread discussion among students, faculty, and stakeholders, as it introduces stringent measures to regulate activities traditionally associated with the celebratory conclusion of academic programs.
The circular, addressed to all members of the UNIBEN community, including students, staff, and faculty, explicitly prohibits graduating students from engaging in any form of sign-out celebration. These activities, which have long been a hallmark of the transition from student life to graduation, typically involve vibrant displays of joy, such as signing on T-shirts, playing music, parading in vehicles, and organizing photo sessions. However, the university administration has deemed such activities disruptive to the academic environment and has vowed to enforce the ban with severe consequences for violators.
According to the Registrar, the decision to ban sign-out celebrations was reaffirmed during a meeting of the university’s Senate on Monday, October 6, 2025. This meeting revisited and upheld an earlier resolution prohibiting such activities on campus. The Senate’s stance reflects a broader commitment to fostering a disciplined and orderly academic environment, particularly during the critical period of examinations. Mr. Bobola emphasized that the university will not tolerate any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorized gatherings, whether during or after examinations.
The circular outlines specific activities that are now prohibited under the new policy. For instance, the management has explicitly banned the signing of T-shirts, a popular tradition among graduating students where peers and friends write messages of congratulations or farewell on white shirts worn by finalists. Similarly, playing music as part of celebratory activities has been outlawed, as the university seeks to minimize noise and distractions during the examination period. The directive also extends to vehicular activities, with the administration prohibiting “indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle.” To further enforce this restriction, unauthorized vehicles will be barred from entering the university premises throughout the final week of the second semester examinations.
In addition to these measures, the university has imposed restrictions on large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations. Such gatherings, which are often spontaneous and celebratory in nature, have been identified as potential sources of disruption. The management has also taken a firm stance against photographers setting up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of capturing celebratory moments, a common practice during sign-out events. This prohibition aims to curb the commercialization of such activities and maintain a focused academic atmosphere.
Parents and guardians of final-year students have not been spared from the new regulations. The circular explicitly advises them to refrain from visiting faculty, school, or institute premises, particularly on the last day of examinations. This measure is intended to prevent overcrowding and ensure that the campus remains conducive to academic activities during this critical period. The university’s administration has made it clear that the presence of parents and guardians could exacerbate the challenges of maintaining order and discipline.
To underscore the seriousness of the new policy, the Registrar warned that violations would attract severe disciplinary sanctions. These penalties are not limited to minor infractions but could include rustication, expulsion, or even the withdrawal of academic certificates. Such measures indicate the university’s zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance and its determination to enforce the ban rigorously. The circular concluded with an appeal to all members of the university community to adhere strictly to the new guidelines, emphasizing that compliance is essential to preserving the institution’s reputation for academic excellence and discipline.
The decision to ban sign-out celebrations has elicited mixed reactions within and beyond the UNIBEN community. For many graduating students, sign-out celebrations represent a cherished rite of passage, a moment to celebrate the culmination of years of hard work and academic rigor. These events often foster a sense of camaraderie and provide an opportunity for students to create lasting memories before transitioning to the next phase of their lives. However, the university’s administration argues that such activities, while well-intentioned, can lead to disorderly conduct, safety concerns, and disruptions to the academic calendar.
Critics of the ban have raised concerns about its potential impact on student morale and the university’s cultural traditions. Some students and alumni argue that sign-out celebrations are an integral part of the university experience, offering a release from the pressures of academic life and a chance to bond with peers. They contend that a blanket ban may alienate students and diminish the sense of community that such events foster. Others, however, support the university’s decision, citing instances where past celebrations have escalated into chaotic or unsafe situations, such as reckless driving, excessive noise, or damage to campus property.
The ban also raises broader questions about the balance between maintaining discipline and preserving student traditions. Universities across Nigeria and beyond often grapple with similar challenges, as they seek to create environments that are both academically rigorous and socially vibrant. At UNIBEN, the administration’s focus on discipline reflects a broader trend in Nigerian higher education, where institutions are increasingly prioritizing order and safety in response to growing concerns about campus security and public perception.
From a practical standpoint, the implementation of the ban will require robust enforcement mechanisms. The university will likely rely on its security personnel, faculty, and student leaders to monitor compliance and address violations promptly. The inclusion of severe penalties such as rustication and expulsion suggests that the administration is prepared to take decisive action against non-compliant students. However, the success of the policy will depend on clear communication, consistent enforcement, and the cooperation of the entire university community.
The timing of the ban, coinciding with the final week of the second semester examinations, underscores the university’s determination to maintain a focused academic environment during this critical period. Examinations are a high-stakes time for students, and disruptions caused by celebratory activities could undermine their performance and the overall integrity of the assessment process. By prohibiting sign-out celebrations, the university aims to ensure that all students, particularly those in their final year, can complete their examinations in a calm and conducive environment.
The ban also reflects broader societal shifts in Nigeria, where institutions are increasingly scrutinizing activities that may be perceived as excessive or disruptive. In recent years, there has been growing public discourse about the need for discipline and accountability in educational institutions, particularly in the context of rising incidents of cultism, violence, and other forms of misconduct on campuses. UNIBEN’s decision can be seen as part of this larger effort to promote a culture of responsibility and respect for institutional rules.
For graduating students, the ban may necessitate a shift in how they mark the end of their academic journey. While traditional sign-out celebrations are no longer permitted, students may explore alternative ways to commemorate their achievements, such as private gatherings off-campus or virtual celebrations. The university’s administration has not indicated whether it will provide alternative platforms or events for students to celebrate their graduation, leaving it to students to navigate these changes creatively.
As the University of Benin moves forward with this policy, it will be important to assess its impact on the student experience and the broader campus culture. The administration may need to engage with student leaders and stakeholders to address concerns and ensure that the ban does not inadvertently erode the sense of community that is central to university life. At the same time, the university’s commitment to discipline and academic decorum sends a clear message about its priorities and expectations for its students.
In conclusion, the University of Benin’s ban on sign-out celebrations represents a significant shift in how the institution approaches student activities during the examination period. By prohibiting traditional celebratory practices, the university aims to maintain order, protect the academic environment, and uphold its reputation for excellence. While the policy has sparked debate, it reflects a broader effort to balance tradition with discipline in an evolving educational landscape. As students, faculty, and parents adjust to these changes, the university will need to navigate the challenges of enforcement while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for its community.
