The serene academic atmosphere of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, was disrupted on Thursday, August 21, 2025, as the institution’s administration took decisive action to enforce a newly implemented ban on the long-standing tradition of “signing off” among graduating students. This practice, where final-year students celebrate the completion of their exams by having their shirts signed by friends and fellow students, has been a cherished ritual, marking the culmination of years of academic endeavor. However, the university’s administration deemed it necessary to curtail the tradition, citing concerns over the potential for disruption and unruly behavior.
The enforcement of the ban triggered immediate tension on campus. Two female students, whose identities remain undisclosed, were reportedly escorted off the university premises for violating the new directive. Their offense: wearing shirts adorned with the signatures and messages characteristic of the “signing off” tradition. A video capturing the incident, shared on social media by Facebook user Okwa C. Ifugo, quickly gained traction, sparking discussions and debates about the university’s decision. The video depicted the students being addressed by what appeared to be university officials, presumably explaining the reasons for their removal from campus.
The university’s stance on the “signing off” tradition was formally articulated in a circular issued on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, just two days prior to the incident. Signed by the Registrar, Dr. Chinenye Okeke, the directive outlined the administration’s rationale for the ban. It characterized the practice as one prone to escalating into chaos, violence, and disruption of the academic environment. The circular emphasized the university’s commitment to maintaining order and ensuring a conducive atmosphere for learning, arguing that the “signing off” tradition, in its current form, posed a threat to these objectives.
The “signing off” tradition, while seemingly innocuous in its intent, has apparently become a source of concern for university authorities due to its potential for unintended consequences. The celebratory nature of the practice, often involving large gatherings of students and expressions of exuberance, has reportedly led to incidents of disorder and damage to university property in the past. Furthermore, the administration may have been apprehensive about the potential for the tradition to devolve into activities that compromise the safety and security of the campus community.
The decision to ban the “signing off” tradition reflects a broader trend among universities grappling with balancing student expression and maintaining a structured learning environment. While recognizing the significance of such traditions for students, particularly those marking the transition to a new chapter in their lives, institutions must also prioritize the safety and well-being of all members of the campus community. The Nnamdi Azikiwe University incident highlights the complex considerations involved in navigating these sometimes conflicting priorities.
This incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe University underscores the challenges faced by educational institutions in managing student traditions while upholding their responsibility to maintain order and security. The ban on the “signing off” practice, while met with resistance from some students, reflects the university’s efforts to ensure a conducive environment for learning and prevent potential disruptions. The situation also raises questions about alternative ways to celebrate student milestones that are both meaningful and respectful of the university’s rules and regulations. The university’s administration may need to explore avenues for dialogue with the student body to address these concerns and potentially find alternative ways to celebrate graduation that are acceptable to all parties.
