Stephen Enoch
The management of Bayero University Kano (BUK) has banned all signing-out activities and the unauthorized use of academic gowns on campus.
The directive was published on February 24 in the students’ bulletin and takes immediate effect.
This directive has been greeted with mixed feelings by the students, especially those who are yet to write their final papers.
BUK’s Directive
Ban on “Signing-Out” Activities and Unauthorised Use of Academic Gowns
The university management has observed with concern the increasing trend of “signing-out” activities by graduating students within the campus.
Accordingly, all forms of signing-out activities are hereby banned with immediate effect. This includes the wearing of defaced clothing; use of paint, ink or markers on the body or on University property; public disturbances; and any related acts carried out under the guise of celebration.
Furthermore, the use of academic gowns or any specialised attire by graduating students for the purpose of taking photographs or staging unofficial celebrations within the campus is strictly prohibited. Academic gowns are reserved for authorised University ceremonies only.
Any student or group of students found engaging in any of the above activities will be sanctioned in line with the University’s rules and regulations.
Students are reminded that the award of a Degree Certificate is based not only on learning but also on character. All graduating students are therefore expected to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the dignity and reputation of the University.
Security personnel have been directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive and to arrest anyone who violates this order.
By this notice, all students are advised to be guided accordingly.
Signed:
Lamara Garba, mnipr
Director, Public Affairs
For: Registrar
Students React
The decision has generated mixed reactions among students, particularly those in their final year who had been preparing to celebrate the completion of their studies.
Gambo Hafsat disagreed with the management’s position, saying the ban would not improve discipline on campus.
“For me, it’s a no, capital letter NO. Why? Because it does not stop or improve anything. Students will always be students, university will always be university.
“Do you know that after this sign out, there are some students that actually went ahead to do their own sign out without the school knowing?
“It does not stop or improve discipline,” she said.
According to her, the signing-out culture at BUK is not extreme compared to other institutions.
She added: “They should allow students to sign out. It is not even as crazy as other schools.
“Some other schools department there would be DJ outside, waiting for you to finish, but this one, there is no music, it’s just the atmosphere, just the joy in the atmosphere.
“There is nothing too serious about it.”
Patrick Samuel suggested that rather than an outright ban, the university could regulate the activity.
“They can never stop students from being happy. Yes, that’s the individual aim of sign out. What they should do is make a rule to properly conduct the sign out
“Probably instructing that the sign-out should not be so rowdy or crowdy like the way it used to be,” he said,
Aisha Mohammed, a 400-level student who is yet to conclude her papers, described the announcement as disheartening.
“That was a whole for me cause I felt so bad, because I already bought my things for sign out, spent a lot of money and then there’s no sign out,” she said.
She added that the experience of finishing school without both matriculation and signing out felt incomplete.
“You know when you did not sign in officially (no matriculation) and you are not signing out because it has been banned it is so disheartening.
“My parents were already excited, planning to come to Kano for the sign out, it was really a tough time. I don’t get to experience the Joy,” She said sadly.
Augustina Tilnani, also a 400-level student who is yet to conclude her final papers, said she had been looking forward to the celebration.
“I was already preparing for it, I was looking forward to it, any 400 level student would understand what I am talking about.
“After nights of reading, suddenly and BUK bans sign out why? It is just so unfortunate,” she said.
On whether the school made the right decision, she responded:
“I feel it is wrong because they have stolen the Joy of the students cause that’s one way for student to celebrate and express their joy.
“Just after finishing from University and getting degree and there’s no means of celebration. I feel it is wrong, so wrong.”
While the university insists the directive is aimed at preserving order and upholding institutional dignity, many graduating students say the ban has taken away a symbolic moment of closure after years of academic stress.
