Preserving Institutional Sanctity: Bayero University Kano Prohibits Campus "Signing-Out" Rituals
The management of Bayero University Kano (BUK) has taken a definitive and uncompromising stance against the evolving culture of "signing-out" celebrations among its final-year students. In a Special Bulletin released on Thursday, February 26, 2026, designated as Volume XLIV No. 17, the university administration announced an immediate and total ban on all forms of unofficial graduation festivities within the campus boundaries. This directive reflects a growing concern among the university’s principal officers regarding the erosion of campus decorum and the disruptive nature of modern student celebrations, which the management has officially characterized as inappropriate and contrary to the refined traditions of the institution.
For many years, the "signing-out" ritual has become a ubiquitous, albeit unofficial, rite of passage in many Nigerian tertiary institutions. It typically involves students marking their final examinations by allowing peers to write messages on their white shirts with permanent markers, often accompanied by loud music, the use of colored powders, and high-speed vehicular displays. However, Bayero University Kano has identified these activities as significant threats to the academic atmosphere and the physical integrity of the university environment. The new directive explicitly prohibits the wearing of defaced clothing and the use of paints, inks, or markers on the body or on any university property. By banning these specific acts, the management aims to curb the visual and environmental "pollution" that often follows the conclusion of final examinations.
The Sacredness of Academic Regalia and Institutional Reputation
A particularly stringent aspect of the new policy concerns the use of academic gowns. The university management noted with disapproval that graduating students have increasingly utilized academic gowns and other specialized attire for unofficial photography and staged celebrations before the formal convocation ceremony. The bulletin clarified that academic gowns are sacred symbols of scholarly achievement, reserved exclusively for authorized university ceremonies such as matriculation and convocation. The staging of "mock" graduations or private photo sessions involving these gowns on campus is now strictly forbidden. This measure is intended to restore the dignity of the university’s highest honors, ensuring that the regalia is treated with the professional respect it commands globally.
Furthermore, the university has linked these celebrations to the fundamental criteria for the award of degrees. In the Nigerian university system, degrees are traditionally awarded to candidates found "worthy in character and learning." The BUK management reminded the graduating cohort that their academic success does not grant them immunity from the institution's disciplinary codes. Engaging in public disturbances or any related acts under the guise of celebration is viewed as a failure of character. The university emphasized that the reputation of a BUK graduate is built on a foundation of discipline, and any behavior that tarnishes the university's public image will be met with severe sanctions.
Enforcement and Professional Conduct
To ensure that this directive is not treated as a mere suggestion, the university has mobilized its internal security apparatus. Security personnel have been given a clear mandate to enforce strict compliance and to arrest any individual or group found violating the order. This includes monitoring departmental blocks, common areas, and campus gates to prevent the entry of prohibited items or the assembly of students for banned activities. The university warned that students who choose to ignore this directive risk their graduation status, as the institution will not hesitate to apply its rules and regulations to those who prioritize rowdy celebrations over institutional order.
As the 2025/2026 academic session reaches its peak, the management's decision serves as a call for a return to intellectual sobriety. Graduating students are encouraged to celebrate their hard-earned successes with their families and friends in private spaces, away from the academic core of the university. By removing these disruptions, Bayero University Kano reaffirms its commitment to providing a serene and focused environment for those still pursuing their studies. The institution remains a beacon of light in Northern Nigeria, and this policy is a strategic move to ensure that its "dignity and reputation" are preserved for generations to come.