By Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, Goronyo
To avoid unwanted acts that could undermine the peace of Kaduna Polytechnic and the coexistence of the students, the Management of Kaduna Polytechnic, within its powers, has banned students’ graduation sign-out celebrations.
In a letter signed by the Deputy Dean, General Duties, for the Dean of Students’ Affairs of Kaduna Polytechnic dated 8th October 2024, Malam Farouq N. Musa stated that the school has prohibited sign-out celebrations for graduating students and that “no department or group of students should be allowed to engage in cultural exercises.”
Furthermore, in an internal memo to the students of the institution, dated 13th October and titled “Signing Out on Graduation Day: A Moral Decadence in Nigerian Students,” the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Malam Farouq N. Musa, emphasized the reasons for the sign-out ban.
“I am writing to you today to address an important issue that has been observed over the past few graduation ceremonies—the act of “signing out” on graduation day.
As you know, graduation is a momentous occasion, marking the culmination of your academic journey and the beginning of your professional life. However, in recent years, a disturbing trend has taken root in our academic culture, where students mark this day by engaging in acts of “signing out”—covering themselves in ink, writing inappropriate messages on their clothes, and participating in behavior unbecoming of graduates” the letter contained.
“While some may view this as harmless fun, it reflects a moral decay that undermines the values of discipline, responsibility, and respect that Kaduna Polytechnic stands for. As graduates, you are ambassadors of this institution, and how you carry yourself on and after graduation speaks volumes about the character and professionalism we expect from you,” the Dean reiterated.
However, the Dean said he wished to remind all students that graduation is not the end of discipline. The values of respect, decorum, and integrity must guide students, especially on a day as significant as graduation day, stating that unruly behavior diminishes the achievement and respect for hard work.
Malam Farouq further stated that his office will be working closely with the Students Union Government and other stakeholders to ensure that future graduations are celebrated with dignity and said any student found engaging in inappropriate behavior will face disciplinary action, and which may affect the release of academic documents.
“As we approach the next graduation ceremony, I implore every student to celebrate their achievement in ways that reflect maturity and the high moral standards expected of Nigerian graduates. Let us set examples that future generations will be proud to follow.
“We will be working closely with the Students Union Government and other stakeholders to ensure that future graduations are celebrated with dignity. Any student found engaging in inappropriate behavior will face disciplinary action, which may affect the release of their academic documents,’ the Dean Students Affairs cleared.
It could be recalled that during sign-out celebrations and gatherings, students breach school laws, fight, and undermine the ethical conduct of the school. Some of these celebrations have even resulted in car accidents and loss of life.
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