Uniport Bans “Signing Out” Ceremony for Final-Year Students
Port Harcourt — The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has officially banned the popular “signing out” ceremony among final-year students, effective immediately.
In a circular issued by the Student Affairs Department and signed by the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Chima Chibulke Wokocha, the institution stated that the ban takes effect from Thursday, October 2, 2025, across all faculties and departments.
The directive strictly prohibits the tradition where graduating students wear customized T-shirts and gather to celebrate after their final examinations.
According to the memo:
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No student will be allowed to wear or sign T-shirts within the premises of the examination venue.
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Any final-year student arriving at the exam hall with security escorts will have their vehicles impounded.
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Security personnel who attempt to escort students will be arrested and handed over to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police.
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Gatherings of final-year students after examinations have been banned, and parents or guardians are advised to avoid the examination areas.
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Photographers who set up platforms at exam venues will be arrested.
Prof. Wokocha emphasized that any student or group of students who disobey the new order will be referred to the Students’ Disciplinary Committee (SDC) for appropriate sanctions.
The circular has been copied to the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellors (Administration, Academic, Research & Development), the Registrar, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments, and the Inspector General of Police, underscoring the seriousness of the decision.
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The University has not given detailed reasons for the ban, but sources suggest it may be connected to growing concerns about security, safety, and disorderly conduct during such celebrations in previous years.
The ban has already stirred mixed reactions among students and stakeholders. While some argue that the measure is necessary to maintain order and protect lives, others see it as an attempt to suppress a long-standing cultural tradition that marks the end of years of academic struggle.
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