UNIZIK Bans ‘Signing-Off’ Celebrations After Final Examinations.

UNIZIK Bans ‘Signing-Off’ Celebrations After Final Examinations.

The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has banned, with immediate effect, all forms of “signing-off” celebrations and related activities by students to mark the completion of their final examinations.

The university announced the ban in a statement signed by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Comrade Aloysius Emeka Attah, and made available to journalists.

According to the management, the decision was taken following recurring incidents of chaos, violence, vandalism and disruption of academic and administrative activities associated with such celebrations.

The university management also expressed concern over the infiltration of unauthorised persons onto the campus during the activities, noting that such development poses serious security risks to students, staff and university property.

The statement said the university, in fulfilment of its statutory responsibility to maintain order, protect lives and safeguard property, considers such activities unacceptable and a breach of its regulations.

Management warned that any person who is not a bona fide student or staff member of the university and is found on the premises in connection with such activities would be arrested and prosecuted for offences including breach of peace, trespass and disorderly conduct.

The university spokesman further disclosed that students found organising, participating in or otherwise involved in any form of “signing-off” or related activities would face severe disciplinary sanctions.

Such sanctions, according to the management, may include rustication and withdrawal from the university in accordance with the provisions of the Students’ Handbook.

Also, the University Registrar, Dr. Chinenye Gloria Okeke, in an internal memorandum addressed to the university community, urged students to remain focused on their academic responsibilities and avoid activities capable of disrupting peace and order on campus.

Okeke also called on staff, students and members of the public to report any planned or ongoing act of misconduct to the Chief Safety Officer, the Dean of Student Affairs or the nearest university authority for immediate action.

She reaffirmed the university’s commitment to maintaining a safe, peaceful and conducive environment for teaching, learning and research.

According to her, the university, under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bond Ugochukwu Stanley Anyaehie, would not tolerate any action capable of undermining the institution’s commitment to safety, discipline and academic excellence.

The management therefore urged students to comply with the directive and conduct themselves responsibly as they complete their academic programmes.