By Douglas Princemola
The management of Imo State University, Owerri, has issued a directive banning all sign-out celebrations within the school premises. This decision, which has already been implemented, brings an end to a tradition that final-year students of the university have observed for many years.
According to eyewitnesses and student accounts, security personnel have been stationed at various entry and exit points across the campus. The gates have been locked to prevent students from accessing the university grounds for the purpose of celebrating their final exams. Several students who showed up in white T-shirts bearing signatures and messages from friends were reportedly turned away at the gates.
Sign-out celebrations are a common tradition in Nigerian universities, especially among graduating students. These events typically involve students wearing signed shirts, taking group photographs, and sometimes engaging in light festivities with classmates, friends, and well-wishers. It is often seen as a symbolic farewell to academic life, marking the end of years of hard work and study.
However, the IMSU management appears to have taken a firm stance against this practice within the school environment. While no official memo has been made public at the time of this report, sources within the institution suggest that the decision was driven by concerns over security, noise, disruption of academic activities, and crowd control.
Students have expressed mixed reactions to the development. Some final-year students, clearly disappointed, described the ban as unfair and poorly timed, arguing that it takes away from the joy and sense of achievement that comes with completing their university education.
One student who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, “This is something we have looked forward to for years. It is supposed to be our moment. We are not causing any harm, just celebrating with our friends. To be locked out of the campus on our sign-out day is painful.”
Others, however, have shown understanding, noting that while the celebration is important, maintaining peace and order on campus should also be a priority. A few students suggested that the university should provide designated zones outside academic areas or partner with student leaders to manage the celebrations in a more organized manner.
As of now, there has been no sign of protest or unrest within the university community, and normal academic and administrative activities are said to be continuing without disruption. It remains unclear whether the management will provide alternative options or reconsider the policy in response to student feedback.
The decision by IMSU adds to a growing trend among tertiary institutions in Nigeria tightening control over non-academic activities. While institutions aim to maintain decorum and ensure safety, students continue to advocate for a balanced approach that allows for expression, celebration, and tradition within a safe and controlled environment.
Whether the university will revisit the policy in the near future or maintain a complete ban on sign-out activities remains to be seen.
