The ban also bars students from writing on T-shirts in or around examination venues, assembling after exams, or using security escorts.
The management of the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, has banned the traditional “sign-out” celebration for final-year students.
According to a memo released on Thursday and signed by the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Chima Chibuike Wokocha, the decision is intended to ensure order and discipline during final-year examinations.
The ban also bars students from writing on T-shirts in or around examination venues, assembling after exams, or using security escorts.
Additionally, the school management warned that photographers who set up platforms to capture sign-out moments would face arrest.
The institution emphasised that the ban is total and binding on all final-year students, warning that violators will face the Students’ Disciplinary Committee.
The memo said, “From today, 02/10/2025, the ceremony of signing out by final year students in the University of Port Harcourt is hereby banned, totally.
“There will be no signing on T-shirts in any of the final year exams or within the premises of the exam venue.
“Any student whom comes to write final year examination with security personnel will have his/her car impounded.
“Members of any Security Agency whom escort any final year student to the examination hall will be arrested and handed over to the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State.
“All gathering of final year students after their final year examinations, is henceforth prohibited; all parents and guardians of final year students are advised to keep away from the examination venues.
“Any Photographer who sets up a platform during any final year examination will be arrested.”
However, the Students’ Union Government of the school has said that the sign-out tradition has not been entirely banned.
“We urge all finalists to celebrate responsibly so that this tradition is preserved for future classes,” said the SUG, clarifying that students must celebrate peacefully and responsibly.
Some students and alumni have expressed mixed reactions to the ban. While some argue it is necessary to uphold decorum, others feel it deprives students of a cherished tradition that marks the culmination of their academic journey.
Bellnews had previously reported the arrest of a Nigerian Police Corporal and a student, both alleged cult members, who were planning an attack on a rival group during a “sign-out” celebration on the university campus.