The management of the University of Ilorin (Unilorin) has issued a ban on the cherished tradition of signing-out activities for final year students at the institution.
This directive, as revealed in a press release signed by Faji Tobiloba, president of Unilorin Student’s Union, and Balogun Abdullahi Abiodun, public relations officer, comes directly from the university’s directorate of student affairs unit.
The statement, which was disseminated to the entire Unilorin community, reads, “This is to inform students of the Better-By-Far University that owing to the directive from the management of the Student Affairs Unit, sign-outs involving making inscriptions on white vests, car awareness, and pouring water on each other, embarked upon by Final Year Students are banned with immediate effect. Final year students are advised to adhere to this directive. Thank you.”
Traditionally, signing-out activities hold significant importance for final year students as they symbolise the culmination of their academic journey.
These activities often involve the creation of inscriptions on white shirts, car parades, and celebratory water dousing ceremonies, which mark the end of their educational endeavors at the university.
Unilorin’s decision to ban these activities with immediate effect has raised questions among students and alumni alike. While some argue that the ban may be a response to safety concerns or a desire to maintain the institution’s reputation, others express disappointment at the loss of a cherished tradition that has been part of Unilorin’s culture for generations.
As the news of this ban continues to circulate within the university community, it remains to be seen how students and alumni will react and whether there will be any further developments regarding this unexpected decision by the university management.