The University of Benin has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.
The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.
In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.
Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.
The management declared that ‘no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.
He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.
“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.
“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schPhotographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.
He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.
“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.
Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.
“Members of the university community are invited to kindly note the above position for strict compliance.
Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.
Encmediaone reports that UNIBEN joins the list of other institutions that have banned the celebration, including Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Federal University, Lafia, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Kaduna Polytechnic, and University of Port Harcourt.
Sign-out is a celebration among final year students that involves scribbling words on the students’ white clothes, marking their final moments on the campus.