Elochukukwu Benjamin
Awka
The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has banned all forms of final-year students’ “signing-off” activities, celebrations and orchestrated events associated with final examinations across all its campuses and premises.
The university said the decision was prompted by recurring 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 expressed concern over the infiltration of unauthorised persons into the university premises during such activities.
According to him, the presence of outsiders poses serious security risks to students, staff and university property.
“Management considers such activities unacceptable and a breach of University regulations,” Attah said, stressing that the university has a statutory responsibility to maintain order, protect lives and safeguard property.
The university warned that any student found organising, participating in or otherwise involved in signing-off or related activities would face severe disciplinary action.
Such sanctions, it said, could include rustication and withdrawal from the university in accordance with the Students’ Handbook.
The management also warned non-students and other outsiders against entering the university premises in connection with the banned activities.
It said anyone who is not a bona fide student or staff member found on university 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 conveyed the directive to members of the university community through an internal memo, urging final-year students to remain focused on their academic responsibilities.
The university further called on 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 immediate 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 and academic activities within the university.
