Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, has issued a heartfelt warning to final-year students at IAUE and across Nigerian universities. She urged them to postpone celebrations immediately following their last exams, commonly known as “Signing Off Day,” and instead reserve their festivities for the official convocation ceremony. This trend of premature celebrations has recently become a concern for university administrations, who view it as disruptive and alarming.
Maintaining Focus Through the Final Stages
Professor Adesanya-Davies, a lecturer in the Department of English and Communication Arts, faculty of Humanities emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and composure through the final stages of their academic journey. “While the completion of exams is a significant milestone, it is not the end of the journey,” she said. “True achievement is marked by the successful completion of all academic and administrative requirements, culminating in the convocation ceremony.”
She highlighted that the premature celebrations – what they call “SIGN-OUT” from campus, might disrupt other ongoing academic processes such as grading, clearance, and administrative formalities. “It’s better for every student to cross the finish line fully prepared and honored in the presence of their peers, family, and faculty during the convocation day,” Prof Davies added.
Students are encouraged to use the time between exams and convocation to complete any outstanding requirements, participate in end-of-year activities responsibly, and prepare for the official graduation ceremony where their hard work and dedication will be formally recognized.
Infact, students should be concerned with information about their immediate result and overall results, convocation schedule and final year student responsibilities, NYSC lists, visit to the university’s official website or contacting the Student Affairs Office for details of results and other information.
According to her, such celebrations have in the past led to security threats, destruction of property, and disruption of academic activities within the university premises. Recent incidents in other universities, such as the University of Calabar and Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, where students were suspended or had their exams cancelled due to wild celebrations, serve as a reminder of the potential consequences.
She urges University authorities and administrations to be vigilant and decisive by giving stern warnings and directives to the final year students such as:
UNIVERSITY DIRECTIVES:
– No Sign Out Celebrations: Students are prohibited from engaging in “sign out” ceremonies or any form of celebration after their last exam.
– No Wild Celebrations: Any form of wild celebration, including reckless driving, flying of colors, or loitering around examination areas, will not be tolerated.
– Wait for Convocation Day: Students are encouraged to wait until the convocation day to officially celebrate the completion of their studies.
– Disciplinary Action: Any student found flouting this directive will face disciplinary action, including cancellation of exams and possible suspension.
In this strong admonition to final year students, the Don advised students against celebrating the end of their exams with “SIGN OUT”ceremonies or any form of wild celebrations; instead, students are encouraged to wait until the convocation day to mark the official completion of their studies. She urges the necessary University authorities to take charge.
The Professor urge students to exercise restraint and focus on their academic pursuits, ensuring a smooth and safe conclusion to the academic session; and by adhering to this admonition, students can avoid unnecessary risks and ensure that their academic achievements are celebrated in a dignified and orderly manner, without any penalty from the constituted constituted authorities.
(Prof Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, Department of English Language and Communication Arts Faculty of Humanities
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE)
Port Harcourt – Rivers State, Nigeria is a Professor of Applied Linguistics and Communication Arts, a Lecturer, Writer, Public Commentator and Analyst).
