The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has banned all final-year students’ “signing-off” activities, celebrations and other organised events associated with final examinations across its campuses.
The university said the decision followed repeated incidents of chaos, violence, vandalism and disruption of academic and administrative activities linked to such celebrations.
In a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Comrade Aloysius Emeka Attah, the management also raised concerns over the influx of unauthorised persons into the university during the activities.
Attah said the presence of outsiders posed significant security risks to students, staff and university property.
“Management considers such activities unacceptable and a breach of University regulations,” he said, stressing that the institution has a statutory responsibility to maintain order and protect lives and property.
The university warned that students found organising, participating in or otherwise facilitating the banned activities would face severe disciplinary measures.
According to the management, the sanctions could include rustication or withdrawal from the university in line with provisions of the Students’ Handbook.
It also warned non-students and other outsiders against entering the university premises in connection with the prohibited activities.
The institution said anyone who is not a bona fide student or staff member found on its premises in connection with such activities would be arrested and prosecuted for alleged breach of peace, trespass and disorderly conduct.
The University Registrar, Dr Chinenye Gloria Okeke, had earlier communicated the directive to members of the university community through an internal memo, urging final-year students to remain focused on their academic responsibilities.
UNIZIK also urged staff, students and members of the public to report any planned or ongoing misconduct to the Chief Safety Officer, Dean of Student Affairs or the nearest university authority for prompt action.
The management, under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bond Ugochukwu Stanley Anyaehie, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe, peaceful and conducive environment for teaching, learning and research.
It warned that it would not tolerate any activity capable of undermining peace, security or academic activities across the university.
